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Anonymous Justice #1
Renegade
Kate Stone swore an oath to uphold the law.
But is it time to take justice into her own hands?
THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE…
Assistant DA Kate Stone has just suffered the biggest loss of her career. She’d worked so hard to prosecute a serial assaulter of women, and it was a case she should have won. But a corrupt judge allowed Max James to walk free. When he confronts her outside the courthouse, she punches James, and he goes down hard. After the footage is plastered across every TV screen, Kate’s boss demands that she either attend anger management meetings or give up the job she lives for.
CAN BE DIFFERENT FROM THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH.
Begrudgingly, Kate attends her first meeting. Inside is a group of people all failed by the justice system. Their mission: to do everything in their power to help right wrongs, even if outside the law. Unsure who to trust among this unlikely team of renegades, Kate begins to dig into Max James’s secret life and her explosive discoveries will lead to a stunning new twist in the case. And turn her into the prime suspect.
But is it time to take justice into her own hands?
THE PURSUIT OF JUSTICE…
Assistant DA Kate Stone has just suffered the biggest loss of her career. She’d worked so hard to prosecute a serial assaulter of women, and it was a case she should have won. But a corrupt judge allowed Max James to walk free. When he confronts her outside the courthouse, she punches James, and he goes down hard. After the footage is plastered across every TV screen, Kate’s boss demands that she either attend anger management meetings or give up the job she lives for.
CAN BE DIFFERENT FROM THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH.
Begrudgingly, Kate attends her first meeting. Inside is a group of people all failed by the justice system. Their mission: to do everything in their power to help right wrongs, even if outside the law. Unsure who to trust among this unlikely team of renegades, Kate begins to dig into Max James’s secret life and her explosive discoveries will lead to a stunning new twist in the case. And turn her into the prime suspect.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2022
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741 people want to read
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July 1, 2024
1.5-Stars ^ 2.0-Stars ⭐️⭐️ - "It Was Barely OK"
Nancy Allen - Anonymous Justice #1 - Renegade (Brittany Pressley, 09.23 hrs).
I think my disappointment with “Renegade” is more related to my initial expectations than simply a lack of enjoyment of the book’s content. I bought into the premise indicated by the blurb, ie, “… the activities of a disparate group of talented people, [allegedly] ‘failed by the legal system’, who anonymously avenge villainy and injustice…”, because it sounded interesting and somewhat offbeat. Unfortunately, the book discredited its premise on both counts.
This book was not a ‘legal thriller’ and there were no serious legal scenes to speak of, although illegality and vigilantism were more than evident. The plots and their storylines were both improbable and disjointed, and they seemed to wander all over the place except for several periods of relative inactivity in the middle of the book when nothing of consequence happened.
Our flawed heroine, former ADA Kate Stone, a rude, brash character, spent most of her time whining and losing her temper – she seemed to try hard to be unlikeable and in my case she succeeded. Her new colleagues in the ‘Anonymous Justice’ (AJ) vigilante group were also generally unlikeable, except, of course, for the sex-not-love interest, whose name was Stephen, I think 🤔.
Kate Stone’s mother, a ‘successful’ lawyer, had agitated for Kate to join her law practice. Mother was as unlikeable as her daughter, but because Kate was eventually fired by the DA, she had little choice but to join her mother’s firm. This was simply another example of the disjointed waffle written by Nancy Allen that contributed to the multi-character, multi-plot, multi-story-line structure of this book.
Plot one, the vengeance and retribution to be taken by AJ against villain Max James, involved some action on a billionaire’s motor yacht, with plenty of contrived and highly unlikely goings-on that resulted in this ‘plot’ petering out into nothing much at all.
Plot two, a proposed investigation into an allegation that Kate Stone’s father’s suicide could have been murder, seemed to pop up out of the blue. The AJ group’s leadership wouldn’t agree to undertake the investigation, so Kate and a couple of the group decided to investigate the death of her father, who was a former police officer, on their own. The result is a bizarre “cliff-hanger” end of the book with nothing resolved, except the assurance that a second book was in the works.
I have a number of audiobooks that are narrated by Brittany Pressley and generally her reading performances are satisfactory, as was her narration of “ Renegade”, but she exhibits a few idiosyncrasies that I find annoying, particularly if I’m not enjoying the book!
“Anonymous Justice #2, Payback” has been published. I have no intention of reading/listening to it.
Iam contemplating have completed my review, see above.
in the meantime...
From my Listening Activity:
Jun 22, 2024 @1%: "A complimentary review by a GR friend encouraged me to use an Audible Credit and buy this. I might have a sneak listen during my afternoon snooze today!"
Jun 23, 2024 @43%: "An interesting, if slightly improbable story so far. I know... I know, it's fiction!😃"
Jun 24, 2024 @68%: "I was motivated to buy this title because of an interesting premise, ie, a group of talented people anonymously avenge villainy and injustice. The book started out well enough but the implementation of its proposition has faded as the story progresses.""
Jun 28, 2024 @91%: "I am almost finished, but so far the "group of uniquely talented people who anonymously avenge villainy and injustice" has failed to emerge and the plot(s) have not excited my interest as I had hoped."
Jun 29, 2024 @99%: "This audiobook was a spontaneous purchase - it's slightly different premise snagged my attention and I hoped it would provide some interesting listening. Regrettably, my interest waned fairly quickly as the plot changed track and the story deteriorated into waffle."
Nancy Allen - Anonymous Justice #1 - Renegade (Brittany Pressley, 09.23 hrs).
I think my disappointment with “Renegade” is more related to my initial expectations than simply a lack of enjoyment of the book’s content. I bought into the premise indicated by the blurb, ie, “… the activities of a disparate group of talented people, [allegedly] ‘failed by the legal system’, who anonymously avenge villainy and injustice…”, because it sounded interesting and somewhat offbeat. Unfortunately, the book discredited its premise on both counts.
This book was not a ‘legal thriller’ and there were no serious legal scenes to speak of, although illegality and vigilantism were more than evident. The plots and their storylines were both improbable and disjointed, and they seemed to wander all over the place except for several periods of relative inactivity in the middle of the book when nothing of consequence happened.
Our flawed heroine, former ADA Kate Stone, a rude, brash character, spent most of her time whining and losing her temper – she seemed to try hard to be unlikeable and in my case she succeeded. Her new colleagues in the ‘Anonymous Justice’ (AJ) vigilante group were also generally unlikeable, except, of course, for the sex-not-love interest, whose name was Stephen, I think 🤔.
Kate Stone’s mother, a ‘successful’ lawyer, had agitated for Kate to join her law practice. Mother was as unlikeable as her daughter, but because Kate was eventually fired by the DA, she had little choice but to join her mother’s firm. This was simply another example of the disjointed waffle written by Nancy Allen that contributed to the multi-character, multi-plot, multi-story-line structure of this book.
Plot one, the vengeance and retribution to be taken by AJ against villain Max James, involved some action on a billionaire’s motor yacht, with plenty of contrived and highly unlikely goings-on that resulted in this ‘plot’ petering out into nothing much at all.
Plot two, a proposed investigation into an allegation that Kate Stone’s father’s suicide could have been murder, seemed to pop up out of the blue. The AJ group’s leadership wouldn’t agree to undertake the investigation, so Kate and a couple of the group decided to investigate the death of her father, who was a former police officer, on their own. The result is a bizarre “cliff-hanger” end of the book with nothing resolved, except the assurance that a second book was in the works.
I have a number of audiobooks that are narrated by Brittany Pressley and generally her reading performances are satisfactory, as was her narration of “ Renegade”, but she exhibits a few idiosyncrasies that I find annoying, particularly if I’m not enjoying the book!
“Anonymous Justice #2, Payback” has been published. I have no intention of reading/listening to it.
I
in the meantime...
From my Listening Activity:
Jun 22, 2024 @1%: "A complimentary review by a GR friend encouraged me to use an Audible Credit and buy this. I might have a sneak listen during my afternoon snooze today!"
Jun 23, 2024 @43%: "An interesting, if slightly improbable story so far. I know... I know, it's fiction!😃"
Jun 24, 2024 @68%: "I was motivated to buy this title because of an interesting premise, ie, a group of talented people anonymously avenge villainy and injustice. The book started out well enough but the implementation of its proposition has faded as the story progresses.""
Jun 28, 2024 @91%: "I am almost finished, but so far the "group of uniquely talented people who anonymously avenge villainy and injustice" has failed to emerge and the plot(s) have not excited my interest as I had hoped."
Jun 29, 2024 @99%: "This audiobook was a spontaneous purchase - it's slightly different premise snagged my attention and I hoped it would provide some interesting listening. Regrettably, my interest waned fairly quickly as the plot changed track and the story deteriorated into waffle."
June 20, 2024
Nancy Allen has impressed me with some great solo and collaborative writing. I have discovered a great deal of it over the last few months and never been disappointed. Allen provides a great series debut with this piece, exploring the life of an anger-filled lawyer who discovers a secret support group with an agenda. Kate Stone finds herself engulfed in the group’s plans as they target a man who has slipped through the grasp of the law. How the scales will balance out is for Kate and her team to determine. Allen offers up a great story that has me eager to keep reading the next book.
After a stunning loss in court, Assistant DA Kate Stone cannot handle the blowback. She loses her cool when leaving court and ends up punching the accused, which is caught on camera. She cannot deny what has been plastered all over and when the DA confronts her, Kate must admit it all. He offers her a deal, attend anger management or lose your job. Needing the money, Kate chooses to find a group and get the needed signature to keep her employ.
When she attends a meeting, she is not sold on how this will help. But she is approached by one of the others and told of a secret, but highly effective, group. Kate is curious and attends, where she meets a number of ragtag individuals who all have shortcomings, yet they are connected by one thing; they all want to protect women and punish those who would abuse them.
With Kate seeking their help, the group is ready to target the man who got away with abuse and the judge who turned the other cheek. They will need to be calculated and ready for twists, though their determination is undaunted. Faced with many hurdles, they will have to make sure the plan is solid and the execution is flawless. Allen delivers a great story and keeps the reader hooked!
Nancy Allen has done a great job once more with this novel. Setting the foundation with this series debut, Allen steers the story into some of the darker sides of the law and its enforcement. The story gains needed speed when Kate finds herself connected to this ragtag support group with their own agenda. Building tension and intrigue, the story never fails to check all the boxes. With a great cross-section of characters, I am eager to see how they will develop over the next while and who will return for the second novel.
The plot provided in the book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Allen presents a great collection of events that offer surprises and twists throughout the narrative developments. The story hums along and keeps the reader in the middle of the action, while never allowing things be too predictive. I am eager to see where things are headed in the second novel and am ready to start it soon.
Kudos, Madam Allen, for a refreshing debut that has me curious.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After a stunning loss in court, Assistant DA Kate Stone cannot handle the blowback. She loses her cool when leaving court and ends up punching the accused, which is caught on camera. She cannot deny what has been plastered all over and when the DA confronts her, Kate must admit it all. He offers her a deal, attend anger management or lose your job. Needing the money, Kate chooses to find a group and get the needed signature to keep her employ.
When she attends a meeting, she is not sold on how this will help. But she is approached by one of the others and told of a secret, but highly effective, group. Kate is curious and attends, where she meets a number of ragtag individuals who all have shortcomings, yet they are connected by one thing; they all want to protect women and punish those who would abuse them.
With Kate seeking their help, the group is ready to target the man who got away with abuse and the judge who turned the other cheek. They will need to be calculated and ready for twists, though their determination is undaunted. Faced with many hurdles, they will have to make sure the plan is solid and the execution is flawless. Allen delivers a great story and keeps the reader hooked!
Nancy Allen has done a great job once more with this novel. Setting the foundation with this series debut, Allen steers the story into some of the darker sides of the law and its enforcement. The story gains needed speed when Kate finds herself connected to this ragtag support group with their own agenda. Building tension and intrigue, the story never fails to check all the boxes. With a great cross-section of characters, I am eager to see how they will develop over the next while and who will return for the second novel.
The plot provided in the book keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Allen presents a great collection of events that offer surprises and twists throughout the narrative developments. The story hums along and keeps the reader in the middle of the action, while never allowing things be too predictive. I am eager to see where things are headed in the second novel and am ready to start it soon.
Kudos, Madam Allen, for a refreshing debut that has me curious.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 10, 2022
Renegade is not your typical legal thriller. I have read all of Nancy Allen’s previous books, from her Ozarks Mystery series to the books she co-wrote with James Patterson. Allen excels at creating strong but flawed female characters. New York City Assistant District Attorney Kate Stone, the main character of this book, is no exception. After a devastating loss in court, Kate is confronted with the accused who had been found “not guilty” and doesn’t hesitate to defend herself. Their fight goes viral and Kate’s boss orders her to attend anger management classes to keep her job. However, the group Kate becomes involved with leads her to unexpected dangers.
I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read the book, so I’m not going to go into detail about what happens next. I can say it’s an unusual but very engaging story. Kate has to question her ethics and what she really feels about the law and justice. There is also a storyline about the death of her father which was ruled a suicide, but Kate doesn’t believe that. The whole book moves in unexpected directions for an intriguing story. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which I don’t love, but I assume there will be a second book and things will be resolved. I look forward to reading what happens next for Kate.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Grand Central Publishing. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I don’t want to spoil anything for those who haven’t read the book, so I’m not going to go into detail about what happens next. I can say it’s an unusual but very engaging story. Kate has to question her ethics and what she really feels about the law and justice. There is also a storyline about the death of her father which was ruled a suicide, but Kate doesn’t believe that. The whole book moves in unexpected directions for an intriguing story. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which I don’t love, but I assume there will be a second book and things will be resolved. I look forward to reading what happens next for Kate.
I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Grand Central Publishing. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
January 17, 2022
I was not too fond of the main character at all in Renegade by Nancy Allen. She was rude, brash, and just unlikeable. The plot was predictable and was not interesting. Therefore, I was not invested in the storyline or the outcome. I did finish the book. Overall, an average read for me.
#Renegade #NetGalley
#Renegade #NetGalley
March 14, 2022
Kate Stone, Assistant District Attorney, gets in some trouble when a video of her confronting a man who was found "not guilty" goes viral. Kate is flawed, but her intentions were noble and ordered to take anger management classes. That's how she ends up meeting a group of people who were also wronged but the justice system and want to take matters into their own hands. But is everyone who they say they are?
This was a really interesting legal thriller! Kate has to make a lot of hard decisions and ultimately decide if the oath she took is really worth keeping. Things quickly spiral out of control as we learn more things that are connected, uncover lots of secrets and have to decide who exactly we can trust.
The book was very intriguing and kept me turning the pages. I love a flawed character, and while Kate isn't very likable, she has a good heart with good intentions. This book ends in a cliffhanger and I look forward to reading the next one and continuing this story.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪: Grand Central Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication 3/22/22. This review will be posted to my blogs & Amazon closer to publication day!
This was a really interesting legal thriller! Kate has to make a lot of hard decisions and ultimately decide if the oath she took is really worth keeping. Things quickly spiral out of control as we learn more things that are connected, uncover lots of secrets and have to decide who exactly we can trust.
The book was very intriguing and kept me turning the pages. I love a flawed character, and while Kate isn't very likable, she has a good heart with good intentions. This book ends in a cliffhanger and I look forward to reading the next one and continuing this story.
𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪: Grand Central Publishing for this book in exchange for an honest review. This book is due for publication 3/22/22. This review will be posted to my blogs & Amazon closer to publication day!
March 21, 2022
When Assistant DA Kate Stone losses in court and then ends up on social media punching the defendant, her boss orders her to attend anger management classes. Except Kate walks into a meeting with a group of people that take justice into their own hands.
This is my first book by Nancy Allen and she did not disappoint. The plot was well thought out and executed perfectly. Full of surprises, it honestly just kept getting better and better. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which sets it up perfectly for what’s to come.
If you are a fan of The Collective and Law&Order than this one's for you!
This is my first book by Nancy Allen and she did not disappoint. The plot was well thought out and executed perfectly. Full of surprises, it honestly just kept getting better and better. The book ends on a cliffhanger, which sets it up perfectly for what’s to come.
If you are a fan of The Collective and Law&Order than this one's for you!
May 25, 2022
Nancy Allen does it again! I loved this legal thriller and I’m already impatient for the sequel to come out. The imperfect narrator, Kate, is easy to root for despite her flaws and keeps you on the edge of your seat every step of the way. I tried to predict what was to come but it kept me guessing until the last page with the spread of such dimensional characters. 5 stars to queen Nancy, now give us another book!!
May 31, 2022
This book was absolutely thrilling!
I was captivated right from the first page, constantly wanting to know more about what this detective would do. Would true justice ever get served? Would she be able to turn the system on her side? How did this guy even manage to win the case?
Renegade is a piece that left me wanting more!
I was captivated right from the first page, constantly wanting to know more about what this detective would do. Would true justice ever get served? Would she be able to turn the system on her side? How did this guy even manage to win the case?
Renegade is a piece that left me wanting more!
April 10, 2022
Getting swept up in the plot of a good book, unaware of just how much time has passed, is something I long for each time I pick up a new novel. And while I have been reading some really good literature lately, RENEGADE by Nancy Allen is in a category all its own when it comes to mystery/thrillers I've read so far this year.
I'll keep the synopsis short. The novel centers on assistant DA Kate Stone, one of the most badass female characters I've read in a long time. Within mere pages, the action begins. Having worked hard to prosecute a serial assaulter of women, Kate ends up losing the case and losing her cool in the process. As she leaves the courthouse raging against the failure of the justice system, realizing the connections that help keep wealthy people from being held accountable, Kate's anger festers. Once outside the courthouse, the first of a series of unfortunate circumstances occurs as Kate comes face-to-face with the serial assaulter she tried to put away. Through this unwanted interaction and a sucker punch to chin caught on video (I mentioned she's a badass, didn't I?), Kate's world begins to spiral and her boss demands she take anger management classes to get a grip on her issues.
But this anger management class leads to a connection with a group of people failed by the justice system and their mission, while vaguely reminiscent of Alison Gaylin's THE COLLECTIVE, takes on a life of its own. And when the group decides to take on her case to see this serial assaulter get what he deserves, the plot thickens; Kate might just be in over her head. It was near impossible to put this book down. I read it in two days, sneaking in chapters every chance I got--it's that good!
Based on the insane ending to this one, I know that RENEGADE is the first in what is being dubbed the 'Anonymous Justice' series, and I cannot wait to see where Nancy Allen takes this story next. I'm hooked.
A huge thank you Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy of this. I am beyond grateful! I think I just found a new thriller/mystery author to add to me lineup. Nancy Allen is brilliant.
I'll keep the synopsis short. The novel centers on assistant DA Kate Stone, one of the most badass female characters I've read in a long time. Within mere pages, the action begins. Having worked hard to prosecute a serial assaulter of women, Kate ends up losing the case and losing her cool in the process. As she leaves the courthouse raging against the failure of the justice system, realizing the connections that help keep wealthy people from being held accountable, Kate's anger festers. Once outside the courthouse, the first of a series of unfortunate circumstances occurs as Kate comes face-to-face with the serial assaulter she tried to put away. Through this unwanted interaction and a sucker punch to chin caught on video (I mentioned she's a badass, didn't I?), Kate's world begins to spiral and her boss demands she take anger management classes to get a grip on her issues.
But this anger management class leads to a connection with a group of people failed by the justice system and their mission, while vaguely reminiscent of Alison Gaylin's THE COLLECTIVE, takes on a life of its own. And when the group decides to take on her case to see this serial assaulter get what he deserves, the plot thickens; Kate might just be in over her head. It was near impossible to put this book down. I read it in two days, sneaking in chapters every chance I got--it's that good!
Based on the insane ending to this one, I know that RENEGADE is the first in what is being dubbed the 'Anonymous Justice' series, and I cannot wait to see where Nancy Allen takes this story next. I'm hooked.
A huge thank you Grand Central Publishing for my gifted copy of this. I am beyond grateful! I think I just found a new thriller/mystery author to add to me lineup. Nancy Allen is brilliant.
March 5, 2022
This book has really piqued my interest and the characters are growing on me.
The main character has to decide if she lives by the law and accepts their justice, or does she seek justice of her own.
I'm looking forward to book two.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The main character has to decide if she lives by the law and accepts their justice, or does she seek justice of her own.
I'm looking forward to book two.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 31, 2022
Nancy Allen has done it again. Renegade reminded me of why Allen is one of my favorite crime-fiction writers working today. Renegade is a rapid-moving freight train of a novel with twists and unpredictable turns that never fail to amaze the reader. Renegade reveals and scrutinizes the legal system and offers a detailed look at today's omnipresent technology and its use to commit computer-based crimes. The book contains many types of characters, trustworthy and otherwise. The novel is told with great panache and sophistication, which produces a thrilling and unforgettable tale.
March 22, 2022
A very quick read similar to James Patterson, but with a unique twist.
I was left disappointed with the ending of the book, but since this is planned as part of a series, I’ll have to excuse it. The story doesn’t seem completely resolved, but I will have to wait and see what happens in book 2.
I was left disappointed with the ending of the book, but since this is planned as part of a series, I’ll have to excuse it. The story doesn’t seem completely resolved, but I will have to wait and see what happens in book 2.
March 22, 2022
Assistant DA Kate Stone has just lost the biggest case of her career. After a confrontation outside the courthouse where she punches the accused, Kate is forced to attend anger management meetings, where she meets a group of people failed by the justice system, who work outside the law to serve justice. Kate Stone swore an oath to uphold the law. But is it time to take justice into her own hands?
I enjoyed this book! I found that it was a fun, engaging and quick read that hooked me from the very beginning. The short chapters were filled with so much action that made it hard to put down.
I liked the main character, Kate, who was flawed but so strong and not one to back down from a fight (literally). I was rooting for her throughout the story as she had some tough choices to make that had her questioning a lot of things, including her ethics. I also liked the various supporting characters and their stories.
At times the book was a little bit predictable but other times I didn't expect the book to go where it went. I loved the journey this book took me on. It left me with a lot of questions as it ended on a cliffhanger and I just want to know what's going to happen next! It seems like this is the first installment of what will be the Anonymous Justice series and I will be keeping my eyes open for the next book in this series!
Overall, this was a great read! If you are looking for a quick and entertaining legal mystery/suspense book that is full of action and crime, check this one out!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy of Renegade, out March 22, 2022!
I enjoyed this book! I found that it was a fun, engaging and quick read that hooked me from the very beginning. The short chapters were filled with so much action that made it hard to put down.
I liked the main character, Kate, who was flawed but so strong and not one to back down from a fight (literally). I was rooting for her throughout the story as she had some tough choices to make that had her questioning a lot of things, including her ethics. I also liked the various supporting characters and their stories.
At times the book was a little bit predictable but other times I didn't expect the book to go where it went. I loved the journey this book took me on. It left me with a lot of questions as it ended on a cliffhanger and I just want to know what's going to happen next! It seems like this is the first installment of what will be the Anonymous Justice series and I will be keeping my eyes open for the next book in this series!
Overall, this was a great read! If you are looking for a quick and entertaining legal mystery/suspense book that is full of action and crime, check this one out!
Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted copy of Renegade, out March 22, 2022!
March 25, 2022
This book reminded me of my first ride on a water slide: fast, intense, and thrilling.
Renegade by Nancy Allen is the first book in her Anonymous Justice series. For sure, I will be looking for the next book in this series. I absolutely loved the protagonist, Kate Stone. She’s such a mix of contradicting emotions and values that all come together to create an interesting and lovable character.
Kate is far from perfect and when a video shows her losing her temper and punching a despicable criminal, she ends up encountering a group of people who have themselves been on the losing side of justice instead of the anger management group her boss ordered her to attend.
Imagine that as the moment you push off from the top of the water slide. It’s all bumps, valleys, and fast curves to the end.
This is one of the best legal thrillers I’ve read. Difficult decisions confront Kate on every side. She has to question everything as events in her life ricochet off the sides of the water slide, as it were, making it hard for her to detect the secrets that surround her and who to trust.
I love a character that, in the beginning, isn’t the most likable person but still draws you to her side. Despite her flaws, she has a lot of heart and her intentions are good. The story ends with a hook. So look for more to come in Author Nancy Allen’s Anonymous Justice series.
@GrandCentralPub provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
Renegade by Nancy Allen is the first book in her Anonymous Justice series. For sure, I will be looking for the next book in this series. I absolutely loved the protagonist, Kate Stone. She’s such a mix of contradicting emotions and values that all come together to create an interesting and lovable character.
Kate is far from perfect and when a video shows her losing her temper and punching a despicable criminal, she ends up encountering a group of people who have themselves been on the losing side of justice instead of the anger management group her boss ordered her to attend.
Imagine that as the moment you push off from the top of the water slide. It’s all bumps, valleys, and fast curves to the end.
This is one of the best legal thrillers I’ve read. Difficult decisions confront Kate on every side. She has to question everything as events in her life ricochet off the sides of the water slide, as it were, making it hard for her to detect the secrets that surround her and who to trust.
I love a character that, in the beginning, isn’t the most likable person but still draws you to her side. Despite her flaws, she has a lot of heart and her intentions are good. The story ends with a hook. So look for more to come in Author Nancy Allen’s Anonymous Justice series.
@GrandCentralPub provided this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2022
Kate Stone believes in the justice system. Her dad was a cop and she is an assistant DA. She is after a man that has managed to evade prosecution for many years. She loses and as she leaves the courtroom she sees the judge shake hands with the defendant! After her role in an altercation is posted on the internet, her boss demands that she seek anger management counseling. An underground group working to right the wrongs the legal system can't touch approaches her. They want to help her. Will she accept their offer or continue to seek justice legally?
Renegade is a mix of Ocean's Eleven, the Equalizer, Mission Impossible, and Charlie's Angels. These people have a mysterious leader who funds their exploits. Each member has a unique talent that they bring to the group. Will this group be able to bring justice to an untouchable person? This is the first book in a series being written by Nancy Allen. These characters will be developed in subsequent books and it will be interesting to see how many of the characters in this book are repeated in later books.
The action in this book is found later, after all the setup of the characters. Kate Stone is grappling with her long-held ideas of justice and it will be interesting to see if she continues to be conflicted. This book is a strong start to an interesting series.
Renegade is a mix of Ocean's Eleven, the Equalizer, Mission Impossible, and Charlie's Angels. These people have a mysterious leader who funds their exploits. Each member has a unique talent that they bring to the group. Will this group be able to bring justice to an untouchable person? This is the first book in a series being written by Nancy Allen. These characters will be developed in subsequent books and it will be interesting to see how many of the characters in this book are repeated in later books.
The action in this book is found later, after all the setup of the characters. Kate Stone is grappling with her long-held ideas of justice and it will be interesting to see if she continues to be conflicted. This book is a strong start to an interesting series.
March 25, 2022
It’s pretty rare that I choose to read a legal thriller. But this book’s premise sounded just silly / far-fetched enough (in a good way!) that I had to see what it was all about.
Kate Stone is an assistant DA who just failed obtain a conviction against Max James, a serial assaulter of women. When a physical encounter erupts between them outside the courthouse, Kate is sent to anger management. This leads her to a group whose members have all been failed by the justice system, and have decided to take justice into their own hands. As she gets deeper into the group’s activities, Kate must reckon with her own morals and world view, and the dangerous people she’s up against.
This book was such a fun read! It’s written really well, and is easy to read quickly. Chapters are short, and I found myself moving quickly and smoothly through the pages. I was engaged in the plot and eager to find out what was going on, and how the events would resolve. The characters are all deeply flawed, but form a ragtag group that you can’t help but root for. It’s a completely unrealistic premise, but that’s what I want in a fun legal thriller, and this definitely fit the bill for that - it’s a wild ride.
Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted finished copy of this book prior to its release - it was a really fun read!
Kate Stone is an assistant DA who just failed obtain a conviction against Max James, a serial assaulter of women. When a physical encounter erupts between them outside the courthouse, Kate is sent to anger management. This leads her to a group whose members have all been failed by the justice system, and have decided to take justice into their own hands. As she gets deeper into the group’s activities, Kate must reckon with her own morals and world view, and the dangerous people she’s up against.
This book was such a fun read! It’s written really well, and is easy to read quickly. Chapters are short, and I found myself moving quickly and smoothly through the pages. I was engaged in the plot and eager to find out what was going on, and how the events would resolve. The characters are all deeply flawed, but form a ragtag group that you can’t help but root for. It’s a completely unrealistic premise, but that’s what I want in a fun legal thriller, and this definitely fit the bill for that - it’s a wild ride.
Thank you so much to Grand Central Publishing for the gifted finished copy of this book prior to its release - it was a really fun read!
May 23, 2022
Renegade
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Legal Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 3/22/22
Author: Nancy Allen
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 368
Goodreads Rating: 3.99
Series: Yes, first book in Anonymous Justice Series
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Assistant DA Kate Stone has just suffered the biggest loss of her career. But a corrupt judge allowed Max James to walk free. When he confronts her outside the courthouse, she punches James, and he goes down hard. Kate’s boss demands that she either attend anger management meetings or give up the job she lives for. Begrudgingly, Kate attends her first meeting. Inside is a group of people all failed by the justice system. Kate begins to dig into Max James’s secret life and her explosive discoveries will lead to a stunning new twist in the case. And turn her into the prime suspect.
My Thoughts: The chapters are short, which makes the book just breeze by. The main character, Kate Stone, has a decent heart and her intentions are in the right place, however, she may come off as a not likable character at first, but facing some hard decisions, she definitely grew on me. The author develops the characters well, with depth, strength, and the willingness to go to any length for justice. The writing is complex, fun, action-packed, and intense. The was a bingable book that I devoured in a day. The book ends in a “cliffhanger” opening up book 2 in the Anonymous Justice series. Based on the outcome of this book, the next book will be just as fantastic.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Legal Thriller
Format: Kindle eBook
Date Published: 3/22/22
Author: Nancy Allen
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 368
Goodreads Rating: 3.99
Series: Yes, first book in Anonymous Justice Series
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing a digital copy of the book for me to read in exchange for my honest opinion.
Synopsis: Assistant DA Kate Stone has just suffered the biggest loss of her career. But a corrupt judge allowed Max James to walk free. When he confronts her outside the courthouse, she punches James, and he goes down hard. Kate’s boss demands that she either attend anger management meetings or give up the job she lives for. Begrudgingly, Kate attends her first meeting. Inside is a group of people all failed by the justice system. Kate begins to dig into Max James’s secret life and her explosive discoveries will lead to a stunning new twist in the case. And turn her into the prime suspect.
My Thoughts: The chapters are short, which makes the book just breeze by. The main character, Kate Stone, has a decent heart and her intentions are in the right place, however, she may come off as a not likable character at first, but facing some hard decisions, she definitely grew on me. The author develops the characters well, with depth, strength, and the willingness to go to any length for justice. The writing is complex, fun, action-packed, and intense. The was a bingable book that I devoured in a day. The book ends in a “cliffhanger” opening up book 2 in the Anonymous Justice series. Based on the outcome of this book, the next book will be just as fantastic.
March 14, 2022
Renegade kept me hooked from the first page until the very last! The plot is non-stop excitement, following a band of renegades who work outside of the law to stop wrongs.
The main character, Assistant DA Kate Stone, was a lot of fun to follow along with. I loved the juxtaposition of a character who struggles with anger issues, but is also highly trained in kickboxing and karate. She's brash and formidable, a fierce protector, and doesn't back down from confrontation. And I really enjoyed this flawed but strong character.
This book also gave me strong "James Patterson" style vibes. While there were elements of this plot that were certainly predictable, it was still a highly entertaining read. The ending did get a bit jumbled for me (and things started happening quick!) but it was action-packed and easy to read. While I didn't love the fact that there was a cliffhanger, it feels like a strong build up for the next book -- and I, for one, will be back for the next in the series!
The main character, Assistant DA Kate Stone, was a lot of fun to follow along with. I loved the juxtaposition of a character who struggles with anger issues, but is also highly trained in kickboxing and karate. She's brash and formidable, a fierce protector, and doesn't back down from confrontation. And I really enjoyed this flawed but strong character.
This book also gave me strong "James Patterson" style vibes. While there were elements of this plot that were certainly predictable, it was still a highly entertaining read. The ending did get a bit jumbled for me (and things started happening quick!) but it was action-packed and easy to read. While I didn't love the fact that there was a cliffhanger, it feels like a strong build up for the next book -- and I, for one, will be back for the next in the series!
March 30, 2022
Thanks to Grand Central for a gifted copy for honest review.
3.5ish stars, rounded up. There is something so satisfying about a solid legal thriller and Renegade delivered on that for me. Short chapters and events happening at a quick clip made for a really quick read, and I found the shadowy justice group Kate finds herself a part of to be very intriguing- and I'm excited that this is the start of a series. I haven't read anything by this author previously, but I may go to her backlist soon!
3.5ish stars, rounded up. There is something so satisfying about a solid legal thriller and Renegade delivered on that for me. Short chapters and events happening at a quick clip made for a really quick read, and I found the shadowy justice group Kate finds herself a part of to be very intriguing- and I'm excited that this is the start of a series. I haven't read anything by this author previously, but I may go to her backlist soon!
March 17, 2022
This is the first book that I have personally read by Nancy Allen. The author created a move believable set of characters who are able to work outside the law to right the wrongs of justice. The story flows well as the author create characters with backstories that will bring the story to life. The story has predictable moments that readers will be able to move past as the story is intriguing enough to look past the obvious moments.
Renegade is a create start to a new series I can't wait to read.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of Renegade by Nancy Allen.
Renegade is a create start to a new series I can't wait to read.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy of Renegade by Nancy Allen.
March 27, 2022
This was a new to me author and I can’t wait to read more books in this series. I loved the interactions between Kate and Steven and look forward to seeing their story develop. If you like tough, determined women this is a must read.
May 17, 2023
3.5 stars. This novel took a direction I wasn’t expecting and I’m not yet sure if that’s a good thing. Was hoping for a more legal thriller but there was little to no courtroom drama here.
I don’t read series books back to back so I’m afraid when I pickup where the cliffhanger left off I won’t remember any names or relationships
I don’t read series books back to back so I’m afraid when I pickup where the cliffhanger left off I won’t remember any names or relationships
March 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It was a first for me, as far as legal psychological thrillers go. I felt like the pacing was good, and Nancy gave a lot of details to the story, and really built the characters. There was a lot to learn about everything going on, and you couldn’t reveal too much at once obviously. I didn’t see a lot of things coming, I still have so many questions, and I can’t wait for book two! Thank you to grand central publishing for sending me this book!
March 27, 2022
Great read!
Held my attention. Read in two days and can't wait for the next book. love this author and you must read her other books.
Held my attention. Read in two days and can't wait for the next book. love this author and you must read her other books.
April 8, 2022
Recent thrillers I’ve read tend to throw in a lot of improbable story lines in an aim to make the story captivating but they end up being so improbable, that the book falls short.
This story however picks one story and builds on it. It was an easy read with a captivating story. This was my first Nancy Allen book but I’ll definitely be reading more.
This story however picks one story and builds on it. It was an easy read with a captivating story. This was my first Nancy Allen book but I’ll definitely be reading more.
March 31, 2022
One word…Excellent!
March 30, 2022
LOVE all of Nancy Allen's books! Can't wait for Anonymous Justice #2!
February 28, 2022
That was a good read, hard to put down. I'm ready for the next installment.
Thanks to the good folks at NetGalley for a chance to read an advanced reader copy.
Thanks to the good folks at NetGalley for a chance to read an advanced reader copy.
February 12, 2022
Wow!! Another fantastic read from one of my favorite authors, Nancy Allen! I’ve been a fan since her Ozarks Mystery Series and then her books written with James Patterson. Renegade, like her previous books, features her signature no-holds-barred, no-nonsense storytelling. I can always count on this author for a heroine who is flawed, fierce and formidable. This tale is twisted, complicated, full of surprises and has a big dose of action (the heroine is a karate expert). Along with an insider look into the world of a prosecutor, which to me is fascinating, Renegade has some elements of a techno-thriller due to its use of cyber crime in the twisting plot. Kate, a colorful prosecutor with a briefcase full of personal problems, is the true star in a quirky ensemble cast. You won’t know who you can trust, except you feel, deep down, that you can always count on Kate. The story is gripping, a true page-turner you can’t put down, but what I love most about it is how real the story seems, how naturally it all unfolds. This author makes me feel like we just sat down on a bench for lunch, and she’s telling me a story while we’re loading up our hotdogs with mustard.
May 4, 2022
Renegade has an exiting plot, memorable characters, and an ending I did not see coming. Can’t wait for the sequel.
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