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A Casey Cort Legal Thriller #8
Contained
A cold case is not a closed case.
Being the heir of the most powerful family in the state of Ohio and one of the most eligible bachelors in the tri-county area is harder than it looks. Tom Brody’s most important job is not prosecuting major crimes in Cuyahoga County, but upholding his family name. When the mastermind ofthe crime of the decade finally comes to light, Tom is torn between his duty to the law and the secrets he needs to keep.
Casey Cort is back at the defense table. In her first trial since her return to criminal law, she comes up against her former fiancé. Tom is as corrupt as she remembers, but she’s still keeping his confidences. Because if Casey takes Tom Brody down, her client goes with him…
Contained is the next installment in the high stakes Casey Cort legal thriller series. If you like strong women, explosive secrets, and stories ripped from the headlines, you’ll love Aime Austin’s page-turning tale.
Being the heir of the most powerful family in the state of Ohio and one of the most eligible bachelors in the tri-county area is harder than it looks. Tom Brody’s most important job is not prosecuting major crimes in Cuyahoga County, but upholding his family name. When the mastermind ofthe crime of the decade finally comes to light, Tom is torn between his duty to the law and the secrets he needs to keep.
Casey Cort is back at the defense table. In her first trial since her return to criminal law, she comes up against her former fiancé. Tom is as corrupt as she remembers, but she’s still keeping his confidences. Because if Casey takes Tom Brody down, her client goes with him…
Contained is the next installment in the high stakes Casey Cort legal thriller series. If you like strong women, explosive secrets, and stories ripped from the headlines, you’ll love Aime Austin’s page-turning tale.
271 pages, Paperback
First published March 10, 2020
269 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
About the author
Aime Austin
25 books118 followersAime Austin is the author of the Casey Cort and Nicole Long legal thriller series, weaving sharp social commentary into gripping crime fiction. Born in Brooklyn, Aime graduated from Smith College and Cornell Law School before practicing family and criminal law in Cleveland, Ohio. She now splits her time between Los Angeles and Budapest, writing thrillers, hosting the podcast A Time to Thrill, and interviewing brilliant women creators. When she’s not chasing down a plot twist, you’ll find her in a yoga pose, with knitting needles in hand, or lost in a good book. Aime is a 2025 recipient of the Mystery Writers of America Barbara Neely Scholarship.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 11, 2024
Found this really hard to get into, not convinced I loved it. To its credit though, I only realised it was book #8 after I finished it and I was reading it as #1
March 10, 2020
This is book eight of the Casey Cort series and follows her ex-boyfriend/fiancé Tom Brady as he is involved in a number of different court cases. He is a very eligible bachelor and son of one of the most powerful family’s in Ohio. He is at the top of his game as a prosecutor, with a perfect record of wins so far, but his most important job is to uphold his family name and keep out of any trouble. Unfortunately, his particular flavour in pastimes may lead to his downfall. He is passed a piece of evidence that is being linked to the crime of the century and one which because of his somewhat corrupt methods and criminal links, he needs to keep this case low key and get a plea bargain agreed.
Casey Cort is on the defence and has to pass a case of conflict of interest onto an old school mate, Justin McPhee, without revealing this conflict, as she already has a client linked to this case. She is being faced with a case against someone who could possibly be claiming a double jeopardy defence against the new claims against him. The minor character that she passes on, is linked to an educated black man called Grind, who is in charge of a club with dancers and a further illegal upstairs venue with girls on tap for those who can pay, while his boss Sledge is still in prison. Sledge is doing time for the errors of his employee, a driver who transported the girls to different clients every night. This employee is the client Casey can’t take.
He is threatened by his employer, Sledge, to keep quiet and to take his time like a man and a plea bargain is arranged between Justin and Tom, until Justin’s client has a change of mind on the day of his case in front of Tom’s dad as the judge! He gets into protective custody with the Feds interested in the possible information he can provide on a much bigger criminal investigation that has stumped the police for years. The case of girls found in containers behind some businesses, for which the local criminal linchpin was never able to be prosecuted for.
Grind is having second thoughts on the path his life is leading to, he has been unable to tell his parents of sister what he really does and it has severely limited the chances of having any sort of meaningful relationship. But Sledge getting out of prison early, quickly leads to changes in the business he has been running for the last few years and unexpected visits from the force. Sledge has insurance against ever being put back into prison and thinks he has all it takes to ensure Tom Brady and others will have to get him off for free. Defence of double jeopardy is what Casey has on the cards.
Tom has hired on a failed and alcoholic former colleague as his second chair and as someone to blame when he has to lose this case, but under his father’s role as the judge, being sloppy isn’t something that will be easy to get away with. His hidden secrets and what he does in his spare time, which unknowingly cost him his relationship with Casey, are coming to bite him on the ass! Casey is finally getting ready to have another man in her life, but the one she really likes keeps flaking on her and the other is not exactly relationship material, but there is something there. Casey hasn’t disclosed all the secrets she is keeping about Tom Brady, but if she defeats Tom in her latest case, then her own client will be going down as well.
A complicated series of law cases, a prostitution ring using underage girls and criminals all linked to this despicable crime. It will be the case of the century, but ramifications of their actions will have other and more lasting effects. A great mix of law, crime and investigations into those on the darker side of the law, both sides that is! I liked the play on both sides of the story, defence and prosecution, criminal and powerful family. Casey has her hands full trying to do her job, yet not reveal what she really knows about those involved. A big case for her and exciting things to follow, no doubt, in future books in the series. I will have to catch up with some of the others, having read the origin story of Casey and her career in law, which was wonderful, I can’t wait for more. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Casey Cort is on the defence and has to pass a case of conflict of interest onto an old school mate, Justin McPhee, without revealing this conflict, as she already has a client linked to this case. She is being faced with a case against someone who could possibly be claiming a double jeopardy defence against the new claims against him. The minor character that she passes on, is linked to an educated black man called Grind, who is in charge of a club with dancers and a further illegal upstairs venue with girls on tap for those who can pay, while his boss Sledge is still in prison. Sledge is doing time for the errors of his employee, a driver who transported the girls to different clients every night. This employee is the client Casey can’t take.
He is threatened by his employer, Sledge, to keep quiet and to take his time like a man and a plea bargain is arranged between Justin and Tom, until Justin’s client has a change of mind on the day of his case in front of Tom’s dad as the judge! He gets into protective custody with the Feds interested in the possible information he can provide on a much bigger criminal investigation that has stumped the police for years. The case of girls found in containers behind some businesses, for which the local criminal linchpin was never able to be prosecuted for.
Grind is having second thoughts on the path his life is leading to, he has been unable to tell his parents of sister what he really does and it has severely limited the chances of having any sort of meaningful relationship. But Sledge getting out of prison early, quickly leads to changes in the business he has been running for the last few years and unexpected visits from the force. Sledge has insurance against ever being put back into prison and thinks he has all it takes to ensure Tom Brady and others will have to get him off for free. Defence of double jeopardy is what Casey has on the cards.
Tom has hired on a failed and alcoholic former colleague as his second chair and as someone to blame when he has to lose this case, but under his father’s role as the judge, being sloppy isn’t something that will be easy to get away with. His hidden secrets and what he does in his spare time, which unknowingly cost him his relationship with Casey, are coming to bite him on the ass! Casey is finally getting ready to have another man in her life, but the one she really likes keeps flaking on her and the other is not exactly relationship material, but there is something there. Casey hasn’t disclosed all the secrets she is keeping about Tom Brady, but if she defeats Tom in her latest case, then her own client will be going down as well.
A complicated series of law cases, a prostitution ring using underage girls and criminals all linked to this despicable crime. It will be the case of the century, but ramifications of their actions will have other and more lasting effects. A great mix of law, crime and investigations into those on the darker side of the law, both sides that is! I liked the play on both sides of the story, defence and prosecution, criminal and powerful family. Casey has her hands full trying to do her job, yet not reveal what she really knows about those involved. A big case for her and exciting things to follow, no doubt, in future books in the series. I will have to catch up with some of the others, having read the origin story of Casey and her career in law, which was wonderful, I can’t wait for more. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
March 6, 2020
Tom Brody’s primary task has little to do with prosecuting major crimes, but rather in upholding and protecting his powerful family’s name. His political leverage raises him way above the common lawyer.
Neil Walsh, an old-timer narcotics detective, tipped Brody off to a case that the feds had lost big-time. The feds had missed something huge. They would have a double jeopardy situation with the phone evidence Walsh was telling him about, handing him an evidence bag with a phone in it and reminding him of the history in the other case. Since double jeopardy wouldn’t apply for Tom Brody, it would be a feather in his cap in bringing down an entire criminal operation the feds hadn’t been able to do. The evidence bag in his hand could be his key to a case he couldn’t lose that would catapult him to the front of the line for the top deputy job, or even better, the top elected job.
Brody keeps tons of secrets and now, with the scandalous crime uncovered, his loyalty is stretched to the breaking point between his ethical duty to the law and the family secrets he needs to keep covered up.
With the return of Casey Cort, his ex-fiancé, representing the defendant, the two will have dangerous ground to tread because if she takes the corrupt Tom Brody down, her own client will go down with him. Where will she draw the line? Is there a way to find justice in all of this?
It’s kind of disheartening to see how the people who are supposed to stand for justice can be so jaded inside, high ideals quickly lost as the reality of right and wrong and survival is highlighted in all its ugliness. Not all the time, but enough to tarnish those reputations. Regardless, this is an interesting story that will take the reader along with an inside view of the proceedings. Grab your copy and see what you think.
Neil Walsh, an old-timer narcotics detective, tipped Brody off to a case that the feds had lost big-time. The feds had missed something huge. They would have a double jeopardy situation with the phone evidence Walsh was telling him about, handing him an evidence bag with a phone in it and reminding him of the history in the other case. Since double jeopardy wouldn’t apply for Tom Brody, it would be a feather in his cap in bringing down an entire criminal operation the feds hadn’t been able to do. The evidence bag in his hand could be his key to a case he couldn’t lose that would catapult him to the front of the line for the top deputy job, or even better, the top elected job.
Brody keeps tons of secrets and now, with the scandalous crime uncovered, his loyalty is stretched to the breaking point between his ethical duty to the law and the family secrets he needs to keep covered up.
With the return of Casey Cort, his ex-fiancé, representing the defendant, the two will have dangerous ground to tread because if she takes the corrupt Tom Brody down, her own client will go down with him. Where will she draw the line? Is there a way to find justice in all of this?
It’s kind of disheartening to see how the people who are supposed to stand for justice can be so jaded inside, high ideals quickly lost as the reality of right and wrong and survival is highlighted in all its ugliness. Not all the time, but enough to tarnish those reputations. Regardless, this is an interesting story that will take the reader along with an inside view of the proceedings. Grab your copy and see what you think.
March 9, 2020
Casey Cort finds herself defending two men accused of crimes that disgust her, but this is her job as a defense attorney. To make life more stressful, the prosecutor is her former fiancée. Tom Brody is a sought after bachelor from a wealthy well connected family. However, he has secrets that if revealed would destroy his career. Casey knows what they are but she won't reveal them. As her headline grabbing case comes to trial, Casey sees that all involved have an ulterior motive and that careers and reputations are on the line. I wondered if justice will be served. Aime Austin pulled me into this complex story. I understood that secrets can make us do things we wouldn't think we are capable of. The twists were shocking. It helped me understand Casey as I watched her struggle with work and her personal life. I felt her confusion as she tried to come to terms with her situation. Casey was an interesting character. The author made me feel as if I were in Cleveland. I enjoyed the local references. Double Jeopardy is a great read. Aime Austin wrote a book that I couldn't put down. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
March 5, 2020
I first read Qualified Immunity some time ago, and thought Double Jeopardy was so much better. Have to admit at least part of the appeal of Aime Austin's Casey Cort series, at least for me, is the setting -- Cleveland -- our home for many years. (Ha, not many novels are written featuring the Cleveland Ohio area, so it's kind of interesting / fun reading about the places, politics, businesses, etc. that you know so well).
Casey definitely has relationship issues, which I found somewhat tedious after awhile, and sometimes I wondered if her decisions / actions erred on the wrong side of attorney ethical standards. I sure do not consider this "the heart and soul of women's fiction" (as described in the publisher's blurb), but it is certainly an interesting legal novel.
Casey definitely has relationship issues, which I found somewhat tedious after awhile, and sometimes I wondered if her decisions / actions erred on the wrong side of attorney ethical standards. I sure do not consider this "the heart and soul of women's fiction" (as described in the publisher's blurb), but it is certainly an interesting legal novel.
March 12, 2020
Double Jeopardy by Aime Austin
There’s a new word in the lexicon.
Pantsfeelings.
Cool yeah? I won’t tell you any more. You’ll see when you read it. The book gives a new understanding to Double Jeopardy as well.
I enjoyed this story and the character of Casey Cort is so engaging. I love that she is a girly girl AND a blokey bloke. It is a refreshing vision.
A couple of issues from a previous book in the series were resolved and the ending is something I had not expected.
Great work. I’ll be chasing up more from this author.
There’s a new word in the lexicon.
Pantsfeelings.
Cool yeah? I won’t tell you any more. You’ll see when you read it. The book gives a new understanding to Double Jeopardy as well.
I enjoyed this story and the character of Casey Cort is so engaging. I love that she is a girly girl AND a blokey bloke. It is a refreshing vision.
A couple of issues from a previous book in the series were resolved and the ending is something I had not expected.
Great work. I’ll be chasing up more from this author.
July 13, 2024
I liked this, but as this is #8 in the series, I felt I was playing catch-up to everyone's back story. Even by the end I still felt a little lost. The story itself was pretty good - I liked the Cleveland setting, and the characters were pretty distinct. I felt the ending was little open-ended - things didn't satisfactorily conclude for me.
Despite my few concerns, I would read more of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the author, and my review is being left freely.
Despite my few concerns, I would read more of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of the novel from the author, and my review is being left freely.
March 6, 2020
Tom Brody had the right family, and the wrong preference for bed playmates. The loss of a single cufflink and a pissed off attitude of someone who got angry with him land Tom in a PR nightmare
A black businessman loyal to his boss finds himself in hot water with likely prison time because of a vindictive and stupid move on the part of his boss
Crime and punishment are relative in more ways than one. Justice the statue might be blind, but as long as the law involved people and power, some crimes would cost.
At the end of the day, only the ones involved in actual sex work really suffer a life sentence - even that crime is relative and usually starts with a relative
A black businessman loyal to his boss finds himself in hot water with likely prison time because of a vindictive and stupid move on the part of his boss
Crime and punishment are relative in more ways than one. Justice the statue might be blind, but as long as the law involved people and power, some crimes would cost.
At the end of the day, only the ones involved in actual sex work really suffer a life sentence - even that crime is relative and usually starts with a relative
March 6, 2020
This a fast paced thriller, number 8, in the Casey Court series. This book was a great addition. Lots of twists and turns throughout. The storyline is very entertaining and well developed. I recommend this book and this series. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 10, 2020
This is the first book I read by Aime Austin and I must say that I am very impressed. I liked the way the characters interacted. It was a little confusing for me at first because the chapters were each about a different person and I didn't know anything about any of them. Ms. Austin gave enough backstory throughout the book so that I could follow along with everyone. I would like to read other books in this Casey Cort series.
March 9, 2020
Suspense, corruption and drama fill the pages in Double Jeopardy. Another great read in the series you won't want to put down. Strong characters, a well written story line and intrigue keep you turning the pages. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2020
Well written book with complex plot and characters. Mysteries, power and crime. A female lawyer in the middle of it all. The law and outlaw. Good world building and interesting background. Complex relationships among characters. All together creature interesting story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2020
This is the 1st book I've read written by Aime Austin; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the chemistry between the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
March 30, 2020
I love Casey Cort and her fight for her clients. The stories are amazingly realistic and this one puts poor Casey against her former fiance. But, as always, she does her job well and we learn a bit about corruption and complications of the judicial system.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2020
Superb courtroom drama. I only JUST finished this one and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series. Aime Austin just may be my new favorite author. I read all the other books in this series in 4 days, after discovering it.
March 19, 2020
I have enjoyed each of the Casey Cort novels I have read so far. They work well as stand alones and keep your attention. If you are a fan of legal drama you will enjoy this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2020
Corruption, abuse of minors, abuse of people by the midia, abuse of the law and the list goes on. How to get rid of the bad guys and not be involved in their absurd and wicked games, that´s one of the plots in this book. It shows how the judiciary system sometimes has to walk on a very thin line to get people behind bars as technicalities abound and may prevent justice to be done. A most entertaining story!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2020
Another fantastic book by this superb writer. Tom prosecutes major crimes, but right now it’s his family he has to look out for. Once you start reading , there’s no stopping.
November 29, 2020
I LOVE this series!!!! Wish the series were available in audiobook format! I have read each one in the series and all five stars!
January 10, 2026
Excellent
Excellent read, all the legal court processes without the boring stuff.
Casey is relatable and down to earth.
Cant wait to read more of the series
Excellent read, all the legal court processes without the boring stuff.
Casey is relatable and down to earth.
Cant wait to read more of the series
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August 17, 2024This was an interesting read even tho it took a lot to get into yet. It wasn’t until the later chapters that it started to make sense. Aime’s book do end up being entertaining.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews