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The Jury Did its Job...and Everyone Else's Job, too.

What happens when a new jury is made up of jaded members? Some of them have sat on juries where the bailiff or a policeman stuck his head in the door and gave them information that was barred in court. Or maybe the government uses a fake tape recording to convict someone, and the jury decides to get hold of the original tape and see what's changed. Or maybe a judge has agreed to help the government because he's under audit by the IRS and facing criminal tax charges. All of these things can and do happen.

Pity the poor defense attorney being fed pilfered evidence by the jury. He knows the tape-recorded statement is the original, AND he knows it's stolen--does he go ahead and use it? Or does he report the theft to the court or to the police? And on it goes throughout the trial of Lisa Marie Dearing, accused of shooting the man who told her he was single, got her pregnant, then ran home to his wife and kids. No one wants to see that lady go to jail for life. Thaddeus Murfee is on her case and doing everything he can to keep her out of prison. And the jury is feeding him evidence and exhibits they are getting from—you’ll want to read about this jury for yourself, unlike any other!

Grab this legal thriller and get ready to read without putting it down. Written by the master of legal thrillers, John Ellsworth.

Kindle Edition

Published March 6, 2022

548 people are currently reading
87 people want to read

About the author

John Ellsworth

141 books516 followers
Formerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.

Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor

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Community Reviews

5 stars
577 (42%)
4 stars
430 (31%)
3 stars
227 (16%)
2 stars
79 (5%)
1 star
57 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
5 reviews
December 31, 2022
Disappointment

I was disappointed with this book . I had loved all the other books he had written. This story was too far fetched for me.
10 reviews
January 11, 2023
Disappointing

The book was very confusing. I have enjoyed the Thaddeus series up until this one. Ill probably skip any others.
449 reviews4 followers
September 6, 2024
I hope there will be more Thaddeus Murfee, I miss him already

Even though the ending could’ve been a little more stronger and dramatic, I still gave a 5 star. I like how the author planted a seed of doubt in our thought process. I think the author wanted the readers to imagine having juries like the Full Metal Jury to investigate their case. What if jurors were allowed to investigate their cases, do you think we would have a better or different outcome in most cases? I know jury is not like that, but they were hilarious. I like how they were so involved in the case and they were skilled too🤣😂. I wonder if jurors were allowed to investigate cases, would it be less innocent people in prison today, because there are a lot of innocent people in prisons because of jurors. But it’s not totally their fault because they are making life decisions based on what is presented to them in court. Also, my opinion only because I know no better but if there’s hidden evidence that’d been discovered that could prove a person innocent, why can’t it be presented in court or can it? Don’t know, just asking.
5 reviews1 follower
February 16, 2023
A good yarn, but a bit incredible. I hope Mr. Ellsworth isn't running out of plausible ideas for legal thrillers. In the real legal world, Thaddeus would have been long disbarred, rather than sanctioned with the rather silly task of representing 9 pro-bono clients. Although I think that would be a good punishment for some misbehaving lawyers, it is as likely as bringing back forced labor chain gangs.

Also, I was a bit annoyed and distracted by the poor proofreading. There were far too many missing words, as well as repetitive words. A couple can be expected, but this novel had more than one can usually expect from a widely published author.
1 review
November 1, 2025
Excellent Series

Did not disappoint. Who could not love Thaddeus Murfee ?Quite unrealistic but who cares...That is what makes reading it fun and so well written so refreshing not to have a sex scene on every other page or constant use of the f word like so many of the popular novels of today.The books have everything..
Money, power,revenge, love,story line,crime,justice fluently written for entertainment. That to me is what reading fiction is about.
Profile Image for Mary Duiker.
94 reviews
February 4, 2023
New looks at juries

Interesting premise in this story. Nobody pays much attention to a jury in a court case, yet individuals are required to give up their lives to serve. In this story, the jury turns the tables up side down. I am not sure it could ever happen this way, but it sure makes for interesting reading!
Profile Image for Carol Birdsell.
11 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2023
I was disappointed in this novel. Does not compare to the caliber of John Ellsworth’s prior books and I have read them all. Don’t know what happened with this one, but I’m looking forward to my next read. Just trying to be fair, but I was lost in most of this one, and I am a retired court reporter, so maybe I was looking too deep in courtroom protocol.
999 reviews23 followers
May 1, 2023
Full metal jury

Very difficult to read and really stay interested due to the continued jumps from reality to possibilities as a philosophical question seemed to be bothering the author as he put the tale together. The concept of a randomly selected jury having the skills and desire in this is pretty far out.
Profile Image for Bobbie Hobson.
2 reviews3 followers
August 26, 2023
Not up to Ellsworth's standards

I've read all of Ellsworth's books and hoped this one would be as good as the others. Due to spotty editing, confusion as to he and she and too many words, I had to prod myself to finish. Not to mention preposterous situations that the jury came up with. Sorry, John , not my fave.
Profile Image for Teresa Hall.
30 reviews8 followers
December 25, 2022
A great read!

Thaddeus is back and he's better than ever! Set up by the bar to take on nine tough cases, Thaddeus winds up with a jury determined to see justice, even if they break the law to get it done! If you're a Thaddeus fan, you'll love Full Metal Jury!
Profile Image for Michele Dolloff-cockey.
7 reviews
January 18, 2023
Think again

It's not the read I thought it was going to be ,it was better! You got laugh and yell all at the same time, I enjoyed it and who you think really did well make sure your paying attention or you will miss the little hints a long the way
48 reviews1 follower
January 25, 2023
Disappointment

Over the top. Strange complicated rambling plot. An un complimentary look at legal system. One strange character after another. Not what I expected from this series. Stopped reading half way through
Profile Image for Chaplain Stanley Chapin.
1,978 reviews22 followers
February 11, 2023
story read

I read most of this authors work, they are well written, with good characterization and are a break from my other readings.This one was not as good as most of his writings.
53 reviews1 follower
May 19, 2023
Humorous look at the Law

I liked the light hearted look at the legal profession and the behind the scenes stuff. I laughed out loud. Recommended for a break from any serious reading.
214 reviews
October 17, 2023
Astonishing Turn of Events

Another gem with a great story. Unbelievable event that turned Thaddeus into a cold blooded killer of a monster set out to kill the defendant.
Unexpected twist of events including the jury.
20 reviews3 followers
December 23, 2023
Not up to usual standards

The least believeable book ever by this author. Could never get everyone on the jure to go along with this scheme. Ok out of character for an author I usually like.
118 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2025
Twelve Rounds from a Gold Flashed Gun

My title is the definition of a Full Metal Jury. I absolutely refuse to be a spoiler so you will have to read this fast paced, surprise filled page turner to find out. Thaddeus is back and as exciting as ever. Join the party!
108 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2023
Scsrey

If this is even close to true, this is a very scary book. And I'm inclined to believe there is some truth to it?
2 reviews
January 3, 2023
Great story

Very different most of Ellsworth s books. Got me from page 1. Read it in a day so I could see the end and sorry when I got there.
4 reviews
January 19, 2023
Best One Yet!

I loved all these books, but I just loved the jurors in this one. They were so gutsy. It was terrific, and I simply could not put it down.
22 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2023
Great story

This was a great story that was well told. However, I found the typos and missing words quite annoying. You need better editing!
61 reviews
May 24, 2023
Nazi's, castration...who needs to read this. No one. Storyline and characters are not fully baked.
Sorry, but put this down after 20% read.
1 review
July 1, 2023
Not believable in the least. Very choppy, somewhat confusing. Disappointed but hoping for better from an author I usually enjoy.
622 reviews4 followers
March 25, 2024
Interesting book!

An interesting plot with plenty of twists and turns as always with this author. A great main character, you love to follow.
3 reviews
April 13, 2025
Great read

I was hooked from page 1. Read it in 1 day because I couldn't put it down. Thaddeus Murphee books are 1 of my faveorite
Profile Image for Don.
1,028 reviews5 followers
January 4, 2023
Part of the nine lives Series. I started a little confused, it might have been me. Then the book got going and it is all Ellsworth as he has in the many others, very entertaining. I couldn’t believe how bad he painted the FBI, but what I have seen in today’s world would support the lies and framing they did in this book. Thaddeus and Marcel were true to form, very entertaining characters
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews

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