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Sam Johnstone #2
One and Done
* Duration: 9 hours and 41 minutes *
When an all-star college athlete is charged with murdering a fellow student, attorney Sam Johnstone must solve a crime that isn’t as clear-cut as it appears.
After an impressive performance in front of a full house, local college basketball stand-out Davonte Blair celebrates the victory with a few friends. But when a fierce argument over drugs ensues, the evening takes a violent turn - and one member of the group goes missing.
When police discover the body of the basketball team manager, the town turns into a tinderbox of emotions. The media is calling it a hate crime. The college president is desperate to avoid a scandal. And the police department is under intense pressure to solve the horrific case.
As defense attorney Sam Johnstone looks into the murder, the case grows even more complicated. Ronnie Norquist, the son of Sam’s longtime friend and law partner was the dead student’s roommate - and Ronnie was there the night his roommate disappeared.
His personal and professional worlds colliding, Sam can tell Ronnie knows more than he’s letting on. But what is it that Ronnie witnessed? And whose guilt does it prove?
In a case that’s full of circumstantial evidence and competing versions of truth, Sam must find out what really happened - before this college town tears itself apart.
©2021 James Chandler (P)2021 Podium Audio
When an all-star college athlete is charged with murdering a fellow student, attorney Sam Johnstone must solve a crime that isn’t as clear-cut as it appears.
After an impressive performance in front of a full house, local college basketball stand-out Davonte Blair celebrates the victory with a few friends. But when a fierce argument over drugs ensues, the evening takes a violent turn - and one member of the group goes missing.
When police discover the body of the basketball team manager, the town turns into a tinderbox of emotions. The media is calling it a hate crime. The college president is desperate to avoid a scandal. And the police department is under intense pressure to solve the horrific case.
As defense attorney Sam Johnstone looks into the murder, the case grows even more complicated. Ronnie Norquist, the son of Sam’s longtime friend and law partner was the dead student’s roommate - and Ronnie was there the night his roommate disappeared.
His personal and professional worlds colliding, Sam can tell Ronnie knows more than he’s letting on. But what is it that Ronnie witnessed? And whose guilt does it prove?
In a case that’s full of circumstantial evidence and competing versions of truth, Sam must find out what really happened - before this college town tears itself apart.
©2021 James Chandler (P)2021 Podium Audio
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 12, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
May 4, 2021
I had an issue with the first book. There the author continued the myth that all US vets are dangerous, on edge, ready to go insane PTSD victims. This entry in the series is much better with that removed. Instead, there is only a hint that the protagonist himself has those issues due to a major incident overseas that cost him his leg and many of his command their lives. Understandable.
Meanwhile, the author has addressed the rampant race and sexual hustlers that infect so much of life here in the US. He’s done it well too. I’ll add not just well but better and braver than anybody I’ve seen do aside from some blogs. The fact is that in the US we have an alliance of the legacy media and some individuals who’ve conned the public into believing they represent significant numbers of people. This alliance promotes a false narrative of either racism or homophobia, among other things, that detract from both life enjoyment and process here in this nation.
As if that wasn’t enough, the author has the bravery to address so called black culture and its deleterious effect on us being able to achieve a truly colorblind society.
Like the first book, this is a mystery combined with a courtroom drama. Also like the last book, the mystery is structured like a classic mystery novel complete with the solution shown to the reader early on and then revealed leaving the reader to either do a head smack having missed the obvious or the sense of satisfaction having guessed the solution.
Solid reading enjoyment.
Meanwhile, the author has addressed the rampant race and sexual hustlers that infect so much of life here in the US. He’s done it well too. I’ll add not just well but better and braver than anybody I’ve seen do aside from some blogs. The fact is that in the US we have an alliance of the legacy media and some individuals who’ve conned the public into believing they represent significant numbers of people. This alliance promotes a false narrative of either racism or homophobia, among other things, that detract from both life enjoyment and process here in this nation.
As if that wasn’t enough, the author has the bravery to address so called black culture and its deleterious effect on us being able to achieve a truly colorblind society.
Like the first book, this is a mystery combined with a courtroom drama. Also like the last book, the mystery is structured like a classic mystery novel complete with the solution shown to the reader early on and then revealed leaving the reader to either do a head smack having missed the obvious or the sense of satisfaction having guessed the solution.
Solid reading enjoyment.
January 7, 2021
This second Sam Johnstone thriller is a wild ride. while I expected it to be very good, I wasn’t prepared for the multiple story lines nor did I see the multiple twists that made it such a compelling read. If you have read Misjudged, the first Sam Johnstone thriller, then One and Done is a must read. If you are looking for a new leading character who is deeply flawed but who can set it aside to do his best as a defense lawyer, then pick up One and Done, I am sure once you have completed it, you’ll be picking up a copy of Misjudged. I received an Advance Reader Copy and chose to provide this review.
January 17, 2021
Gay basketball manager found dead. Star black player had argument with him, seen on video following him. Newspaper reporter looking for sensational story blows it out of proportion as a hate crime. Veteran/lawyer, fighting his own demons, takes the case. Lots of ingredients, and the author does a good job of mixing them together in an interesting book. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2023
Book 2 - One and Done finds Sam Johnstone back in his friend, Paul Norquist's, good graces - more or less. As a veteran himself, Sam is big on helping veterans, but he's not always big on taking care of the finances. He gets better as the series progresses.
In this book, an up-and-coming basketball player is accused of killing a fellow student at a local college. Things get complicated when the man killed is gay, the ball player is black, and, oh yeah - a star witness is the son of Sam's friend and law partner. No complications there. None.
Things get complicated when students make a pact thanks to promises that may or may not come to fruition (So far, after book 4, we still don't know. I'm hoping what happens to that witness becomes another book!). It's super messy. To make matters worse, a journalist at the local paper, more cut out to be a tabloid writer, is doing nothing to report facts but instead is working to stir emotions so people will protest. Her sensationalism does nothing to benefit anyone while they work hard to draw out the facts.
This is one of those cases where you don't really like the defendant. The lawyer though, Johnstone, is definitely likable, albeit messed up. He's definitely going through tough times.
During the trial, I could not stop turning pages. Pretty sure my jaw hit the floor during one witness' testimony.
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.
SERIES REVIEW:
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.
In this book, an up-and-coming basketball player is accused of killing a fellow student at a local college. Things get complicated when the man killed is gay, the ball player is black, and, oh yeah - a star witness is the son of Sam's friend and law partner. No complications there. None.
Things get complicated when students make a pact thanks to promises that may or may not come to fruition (So far, after book 4, we still don't know. I'm hoping what happens to that witness becomes another book!). It's super messy. To make matters worse, a journalist at the local paper, more cut out to be a tabloid writer, is doing nothing to report facts but instead is working to stir emotions so people will protest. Her sensationalism does nothing to benefit anyone while they work hard to draw out the facts.
This is one of those cases where you don't really like the defendant. The lawyer though, Johnstone, is definitely likable, albeit messed up. He's definitely going through tough times.
During the trial, I could not stop turning pages. Pretty sure my jaw hit the floor during one witness' testimony.
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.
SERIES REVIEW:
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.
February 28, 2021
Attorney Sam has his work cut out for him. Two different type of people get into an argument. Obviously a murder occurs and Sam tries to solve what happened. Fantastic plot and characters. Don’t miss out once it’s released.
November 26, 2021
A very similar book to the first in the series. As such, it suffered from some of the same problems. Namely, SPOILERS AHEAD, Fric and Fracke are back, however to a much much lesser degree. At this point I’m going to keep reading to see if they have any function in the series at all. Also, the ending was a nice twist but left something to be desired considering Davonte. Unclear why so much of the book was about the characters’ sexual orientation and skin color as it ended up having nothing to do with anything. END OF SPOILERS.
There were some unanswered questions as usual but nothing too worrisome. Some parts of the courtroom dialogue felt like copy-paste from the first book, too. If you’re reading this for the entertainment value then you’ll probably get your money’s worth. A solid 3 again.
There were some unanswered questions as usual but nothing too worrisome. Some parts of the courtroom dialogue felt like copy-paste from the first book, too. If you’re reading this for the entertainment value then you’ll probably get your money’s worth. A solid 3 again.
January 30, 2022
Really interesting and addictive
KU read
KU read
November 11, 2022
Thriller with surprising plot twists.
April 22, 2023
Almost dnf. I bought this book because the first one was SO good , 5 star good. This one was disappointing.
October 21, 2025
Good read with interesting ending
Looking forward to seeing what happens next. Hope book 3 continues the story. And I am hoping the main character can keep on the right path.
Looking forward to seeing what happens next. Hope book 3 continues the story. And I am hoping the main character can keep on the right path.
October 26, 2022
This is the second book after Misjudged. James Chandler is a great author. These two books are the first I have read of his. One and Done has all the thrill, surprises, drama and characterization as Misjudged, however; this one was even better. I laughed and cried.
August 31, 2022
Maybe my rating is a little generous. The characters and situations seemed stereotypical and contrived during most of the story, maybe even all of it. A few surprises came up at the end and one of those changed the whole flavor of everything before. The defendant seemed to have grown and changed for the better over the course of the story.
September 28, 2021
Writer Needs to Hone Skills, Not Hate Women, and Breathe Life into the Story
This is the first time in years I really feel that potential is either being suppressed or squandered. This book series could really be great. Am not sure who is worse the author or editor...is there an editor? I have spent my long life reading legal mysteries, thrillers, whatever you want to call them in every genre of the legal world. From continent to continent. The worst thing an author can do is template writing and expect experienced readers to not recognize it.
Since the author is an attorney (per bio), I guess using cut and paste thinking making it obvious in two books so far he believes women are ignorant, knuckle dragging, angry creatures that must be burned at the stake in each book. Next he used old trite subjects of gay bashing and stereotyping written at 6th grade level full of characters that can whine and moan but have no depth.
On top of which if the author really is in law, you can't tell it by the script. He skims every area of the plot. I can see an electronic or yellow sticky wall on how to get to 300 pages quickly. If this is his methods in court, don't hire him.
I mean really. The main character has the makings of a great foundation for a great series. You can only have the reader pitty so long then we are bored.But with this author we are led to believe everyone in the legal system in Wyoming is a closet drunk and everyone cheats on their SO because that is easy to write and takes little depth. Condescending to some great legal professionals. Based on the bio it makes me wonder if this is a thinly veiled characterization of himself and is the author this bitter at the world?
i mean if you are going to fish....bring it alive for the reader. i can provide a great Brittish series that involves law enforcement and a fisherman. I don't like fishing...the character makes me want to be there at the lake with him.
If a scene is cold, make the reader feel it. I just read the comp intro to the third book. Already it is more of same ...drunk, cheating, loathing. It would not be bad but it is flat. Dear author, if you have a prepublishing readers group...get some people in it that will be honest and help you flesh out so that the book becomes real and breathing in the mind. You have the components but the writing is technical and stilted.
After all these years I am amazed to stumble across a writer without a net. And more so, I come from a lineage of military family members. Some disabled vets and some not. Right now we have a spate of active and nonactive family. My husband was military. As an author using that as a crutch to be angry at the world goes only so far to create novels.
I really pray the next novel improves.
This is the first time in years I really feel that potential is either being suppressed or squandered. This book series could really be great. Am not sure who is worse the author or editor...is there an editor? I have spent my long life reading legal mysteries, thrillers, whatever you want to call them in every genre of the legal world. From continent to continent. The worst thing an author can do is template writing and expect experienced readers to not recognize it.
Since the author is an attorney (per bio), I guess using cut and paste thinking making it obvious in two books so far he believes women are ignorant, knuckle dragging, angry creatures that must be burned at the stake in each book. Next he used old trite subjects of gay bashing and stereotyping written at 6th grade level full of characters that can whine and moan but have no depth.
On top of which if the author really is in law, you can't tell it by the script. He skims every area of the plot. I can see an electronic or yellow sticky wall on how to get to 300 pages quickly. If this is his methods in court, don't hire him.
I mean really. The main character has the makings of a great foundation for a great series. You can only have the reader pitty so long then we are bored.But with this author we are led to believe everyone in the legal system in Wyoming is a closet drunk and everyone cheats on their SO because that is easy to write and takes little depth. Condescending to some great legal professionals. Based on the bio it makes me wonder if this is a thinly veiled characterization of himself and is the author this bitter at the world?
i mean if you are going to fish....bring it alive for the reader. i can provide a great Brittish series that involves law enforcement and a fisherman. I don't like fishing...the character makes me want to be there at the lake with him.
If a scene is cold, make the reader feel it. I just read the comp intro to the third book. Already it is more of same ...drunk, cheating, loathing. It would not be bad but it is flat. Dear author, if you have a prepublishing readers group...get some people in it that will be honest and help you flesh out so that the book becomes real and breathing in the mind. You have the components but the writing is technical and stilted.
After all these years I am amazed to stumble across a writer without a net. And more so, I come from a lineage of military family members. Some disabled vets and some not. Right now we have a spate of active and nonactive family. My husband was military. As an author using that as a crutch to be angry at the world goes only so far to create novels.
I really pray the next novel improves.
February 19, 2021
What a great read this was! I enjoyed it as much as “Misjudged,” maybe more. Our main character, Sam Johnstone is back, defending another client that nobody believes is innocent (except his mother). I was glad to see that the judge didn’t seem so obviously prejudiced against Sam this time around. The story was intense, and there were many twists and turns, culminating in an ending that I never saw coming. Mr. Chandler knows how to write complex and flawed characters, and keep you on the edge of your seat. I received an advanced copy of this book from SRP Thrillers, and am giving my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 20, 2024
**I'm not fully won over yet**
After my botched attempt at reading the first book that caused me to step away from this series, I've finally returned to dabble in the second entry. I remember that I gave up too soon in that first book; I rated it poorly and moved on. But when I saw the error of my ways, I returned to give it another good and proper go. Not only was I pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the story, but I was also ready for more.
The case, while not super-duper thrilling and eventful, was still enough to keep my interest. Most of the dialogue amongst characters was authentic and enjoyable, (with some exceptions), and the courtroom antics were great too. I do like Sam Johnstone as a main character, but I'm not really crazy about his lack of depth. And sure, while I was mostly entertained and invested in the outcome of this story's case and Sam's development, I admit that I had a problem with one glaring thing:
The writing style of James Chandler. As in, I don't really like it. The issues I had with the first book reared their ugly heads for this one too, and I couldn't overlook them.
The pacing isn't smooth at all, very unorganized. The chapters are often clunkily presented, thanks to the author's seeming lack of interest in expanding plot points. It very much feels like he is eager to move things along, and he does this mostly by time-jumping, but also limiting character development and not showcasing interpersonal relationships. The characters sound real but they don't always FEEL real, and that sucks when I'm trying to connect with them. It also doesn't help when seemingly important events occur in their lives have no subsequent follow-up.
At any rate, though I'm not truly won over yet, I also am not ready to give up either. I'll give it one or two more entries to know for sure. If by then I still feel the same, I may just and move on from this series altogether. We shall see how it goes. For my thoughts and commentary, click here.
After my botched attempt at reading the first book that caused me to step away from this series, I've finally returned to dabble in the second entry. I remember that I gave up too soon in that first book; I rated it poorly and moved on. But when I saw the error of my ways, I returned to give it another good and proper go. Not only was I pleasantly surprised at how much I actually enjoyed the story, but I was also ready for more.
The case, while not super-duper thrilling and eventful, was still enough to keep my interest. Most of the dialogue amongst characters was authentic and enjoyable, (with some exceptions), and the courtroom antics were great too. I do like Sam Johnstone as a main character, but I'm not really crazy about his lack of depth. And sure, while I was mostly entertained and invested in the outcome of this story's case and Sam's development, I admit that I had a problem with one glaring thing:
The writing style of James Chandler. As in, I don't really like it. The issues I had with the first book reared their ugly heads for this one too, and I couldn't overlook them.
The pacing isn't smooth at all, very unorganized. The chapters are often clunkily presented, thanks to the author's seeming lack of interest in expanding plot points. It very much feels like he is eager to move things along, and he does this mostly by time-jumping, but also limiting character development and not showcasing interpersonal relationships. The characters sound real but they don't always FEEL real, and that sucks when I'm trying to connect with them. It also doesn't help when seemingly important events occur in their lives have no subsequent follow-up.
At any rate, though I'm not truly won over yet, I also am not ready to give up either. I'll give it one or two more entries to know for sure. If by then I still feel the same, I may just and move on from this series altogether. We shall see how it goes. For my thoughts and commentary, click here.
December 25, 2021
Alcoholic attorney Sam Johnston defends Davonte, a talented black college basketball player accused of murder in a novel that has many good elements.
There are some interesting characterizations. The novel deals well with contemporary issues. I wish more writers would condemn people who attack or defend an individual solely because of their race or sexual orientation. And the reporter whose main interest is a good story no matter the facts sounds very familiar. In addition, the courtroom scenes are often compelling.
But. The book is too repetitious. Sam’s inability to control his alcoholism seems realistic, though it gets tiresome because it’s the same thing over and over. But the worse part of this book is the utterly unbelievable twists. I give a lot of latitude to writers who stretch the truth in the interest of creating an exciting plot. But there are limits and Chandler crosses the line in the courtroom and at the very end.
There are some interesting characterizations. The novel deals well with contemporary issues. I wish more writers would condemn people who attack or defend an individual solely because of their race or sexual orientation. And the reporter whose main interest is a good story no matter the facts sounds very familiar. In addition, the courtroom scenes are often compelling.
But. The book is too repetitious. Sam’s inability to control his alcoholism seems realistic, though it gets tiresome because it’s the same thing over and over. But the worse part of this book is the utterly unbelievable twists. I give a lot of latitude to writers who stretch the truth in the interest of creating an exciting plot. But there are limits and Chandler crosses the line in the courtroom and at the very end.
December 14, 2024
I have enjoyed this entire series. I always love the legal maneuvering, but I like how in these stories, it mixes with the messiness and ongoing linear nature of real life. A lot of retired lawyers right legal fiction, and although I don't know much about James chandler, I think he might be one. I also think he might actually be a veteran.
The story is more than just the case. It includes everything in Sam's life, and I really enjoy that. This is a whole story. I guess, that's how I describe it. Others might describe it as three dimensional or believable, and those words apply as well. Sam Johnston is not just a good defense attorney. He's a veteran who lost his leg, and worse, some of his guys, and that still weighs heavily on his mind.
I have a peeve about fiction. Quite often, certain subjects are discussed in a way that looks like information was copied and pasted from either a book or an article. You'll have a character suddenly using words that they don't normally use, because the author either doesn't want to accidentally misrepresent the information or doesn't want to go to the effort to paraphrase what their character is saying to make it sound more like something that would normally come from that character's mouth. Instead of translating the expert knowledge into common speak, they error either on the side of caution or laziness. James Chandler does not do this. It makes me wonder if he might have his own experiences with PTSD and alcoholism. His character seems very real, and explanations of expert topics, such as mental health and addiction, are translated into the vernacular that his characters use. He does this expertly. It makes his characters so much more realistic. This whole series gets a 5 out of five from me.
The story is more than just the case. It includes everything in Sam's life, and I really enjoy that. This is a whole story. I guess, that's how I describe it. Others might describe it as three dimensional or believable, and those words apply as well. Sam Johnston is not just a good defense attorney. He's a veteran who lost his leg, and worse, some of his guys, and that still weighs heavily on his mind.
I have a peeve about fiction. Quite often, certain subjects are discussed in a way that looks like information was copied and pasted from either a book or an article. You'll have a character suddenly using words that they don't normally use, because the author either doesn't want to accidentally misrepresent the information or doesn't want to go to the effort to paraphrase what their character is saying to make it sound more like something that would normally come from that character's mouth. Instead of translating the expert knowledge into common speak, they error either on the side of caution or laziness. James Chandler does not do this. It makes me wonder if he might have his own experiences with PTSD and alcoholism. His character seems very real, and explanations of expert topics, such as mental health and addiction, are translated into the vernacular that his characters use. He does this expertly. It makes his characters so much more realistic. This whole series gets a 5 out of five from me.
February 23, 2021
Through Net Galley, I reviewed an advance copy of One and Done by James Chandler. The second book in a series that follows Attorney Sam Johnstone as he defends a college basketball star accused of murder. I had not read the first book in the series but was able to enjoy the book despite not knowing the backstory. (Though there are spoilers, so you may want to read the Misjudged first.)
As an avowed fan of courtroom dramas and college basketball, this book checked all the boxes. The mystery is solid and the lead character’s backstory is compelling. There is a lot going on including drugs, a gay victim, PTSD, an overly ambitious reporter and a cartoonish school administrator. Overall, many of the supporting characters were a bit one-dimensional and the courtroom scenes lacked authenticity.
As a throwback to the classics of the genre and with the inclusion of a star basketball player as the defendant, I wanted to love this book. The mystery will keep your attention so the book is worthy of a read however, overall, I would rate this one as 4 Stars for the idea and 3 Stars for the execution.
The only compensation received in exchange for this review was the advance copy. My thanks to Severn River Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read One and Done.
As an avowed fan of courtroom dramas and college basketball, this book checked all the boxes. The mystery is solid and the lead character’s backstory is compelling. There is a lot going on including drugs, a gay victim, PTSD, an overly ambitious reporter and a cartoonish school administrator. Overall, many of the supporting characters were a bit one-dimensional and the courtroom scenes lacked authenticity.
As a throwback to the classics of the genre and with the inclusion of a star basketball player as the defendant, I wanted to love this book. The mystery will keep your attention so the book is worthy of a read however, overall, I would rate this one as 4 Stars for the idea and 3 Stars for the execution.
The only compensation received in exchange for this review was the advance copy. My thanks to Severn River Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read One and Done.
July 21, 2024
compelling and well written, highly recommend reading
This book is the bomb 💣. Author did his thang on this one. It’s the best one as of yet. The twist in this book is remarkable. But it’s sad also. I became emotional reading this story. I had to cry for Ronnie. I felt so bad for him. His parents were a disappointment to me. Ronnie was too trusting and naive. He believed in Davonte. I never liked Davonte. He was so arrogant and a bully. He destroyed 2 families and has no remorse. It was all fun and game to him. I’m so glad he got what he deserved at the end. I’m still trying to figure out whose was the perp. I love how this author approach his plot and storyline. He builds the characters and setting up so it can draw the reader into the story. I also love the court scenario, but I was conflicted with Sam subpoenaing Ronnie. I was concerned about Sam and Paul relationship. I love this author ✍️ penmanship.
This book is the bomb 💣. Author did his thang on this one. It’s the best one as of yet. The twist in this book is remarkable. But it’s sad also. I became emotional reading this story. I had to cry for Ronnie. I felt so bad for him. His parents were a disappointment to me. Ronnie was too trusting and naive. He believed in Davonte. I never liked Davonte. He was so arrogant and a bully. He destroyed 2 families and has no remorse. It was all fun and game to him. I’m so glad he got what he deserved at the end. I’m still trying to figure out whose was the perp. I love how this author approach his plot and storyline. He builds the characters and setting up so it can draw the reader into the story. I also love the court scenario, but I was conflicted with Sam subpoenaing Ronnie. I was concerned about Sam and Paul relationship. I love this author ✍️ penmanship.
June 13, 2025
I enjoyed the first James Chandler/Sam Johnstone legal mystery, but I didn't expect to find the second novel in the series as good as the first. I was not mistaken. It is even better. Without the baggage of PTSD, smart, aggressive and good-looking lady prosecutors, and hostile judges, Sam this time faces choices that are more realistic.
But the challenges he faces are much more serious. An arrogant and hostile black client is charged with the murder of a white, gay student. The prosecution has almost solid evidence of his presence at the crime scene, his fingerprints and DNA on the dead man's property, and a video of him following the victim after a quarrel over money. Most uncomfortable of all, one of the key witnesses in the case is Sam’s business partner’s son.
On the whole, a novel pitched low in hysteria but filled with a looming menace on every page, for all that the novel is a little slow in the build up.
But the challenges he faces are much more serious. An arrogant and hostile black client is charged with the murder of a white, gay student. The prosecution has almost solid evidence of his presence at the crime scene, his fingerprints and DNA on the dead man's property, and a video of him following the victim after a quarrel over money. Most uncomfortable of all, one of the key witnesses in the case is Sam’s business partner’s son.
On the whole, a novel pitched low in hysteria but filled with a looming menace on every page, for all that the novel is a little slow in the build up.
September 16, 2022
Kind of a run of the mill lawyer/crime story without much in the way of surprises. Also, the story line was pretty shallow and mostly focused on what happened (and not exactly action-packed either), rather than using writing strategies to try to get the reader to anticipate where the story was going, or to understand anything more or much deeper about the characters than a line drawing.
I also found it grating when one of the characters, late in the book, said something like "Me and Joe went...". Not only is that incorrect grammar, but there was little in the earlier parts of the book that would indicate that was the way the particular character usually talked. The inconsistency of it jumped off the page in such a way I almost wondered for a minute if the author and/or editors erred and didn't catch and fix it.
I also found it grating when one of the characters, late in the book, said something like "Me and Joe went...". Not only is that incorrect grammar, but there was little in the earlier parts of the book that would indicate that was the way the particular character usually talked. The inconsistency of it jumped off the page in such a way I almost wondered for a minute if the author and/or editors erred and didn't catch and fix it.
February 28, 2021
The most honest part of this book for me was when lawyer Johnstone is driving through town after female reporter trying to make her bones describes the town and crime as being strife with racism and homophobia. Lawyer Johnstone sees children playing in the park, ladies shopping in the local shops, all is calm and peaceful. The accused of course has to be a black athlete that we are never sure whether he is gay or not is accused of the crime. The book does not follow the solving of the crime, nor the investigation by Johnstone very well. but it does portray a very good storyline about how the press operates in these modern times. I don't know I would call this a legal thriller but this authors writing does show promise.
April 5, 2022
It was good. I don't know if it was quite as good as the first one, but the author clearly got a little more into his writing groove on this one. It's more succinct but still bring you through the whole trial process. I would love to say it's a little over the top with the political issues, but in reality, it's pretty spot on for how the media treats everything.
The most unrealistic things about this book (and the one before it) it that everybody wants to do the right thing, people who don't do the right thing get in trouble, and that a jury has more than 4 braincells collectively. But maybe I'm just cynical.
The ending made my heart sink. I wasn't going to keep reading the series, but I love an unhappy ending- that's how real life actually goes.
The most unrealistic things about this book (and the one before it) it that everybody wants to do the right thing, people who don't do the right thing get in trouble, and that a jury has more than 4 braincells collectively. But maybe I'm just cynical.
The ending made my heart sink. I wasn't going to keep reading the series, but I love an unhappy ending- that's how real life actually goes.
May 15, 2022
2nd in Series Even Better Than The First
I stuck with this series for two reasons: the main character, Sam Johnstone—a complex and flawed but admirable character with realistic issues, and for the way the books examine current issues through the lens of a small conservative town. The first book spent a lot of time introducing continuing characters and Sam’s backstory and meandered at times.
This book built on everything that went before and packs two powerful surprise punches in the final chapters. Great for those who appreciate a good procedural but also for those interested in veterans’ issues and substance abuse addiction and recovery.
I’ll be reading the next book immediately!
I stuck with this series for two reasons: the main character, Sam Johnstone—a complex and flawed but admirable character with realistic issues, and for the way the books examine current issues through the lens of a small conservative town. The first book spent a lot of time introducing continuing characters and Sam’s backstory and meandered at times.
This book built on everything that went before and packs two powerful surprise punches in the final chapters. Great for those who appreciate a good procedural but also for those interested in veterans’ issues and substance abuse addiction and recovery.
I’ll be reading the next book immediately!
February 16, 2021
This second book in the Sam Johnstone series is an interesting, well researched legal thriller. A black college basketball player is on trial for the murder of a gay student. The media wants to portray the murder as either a race issue or a hate crime. Was it really about homophobia, race, drugs or money? Sam has to provide the best defense his client deserves while continuing to battle is own issues with PTSD and alcohol. In my opinion, this is a good book bogged down a bit with a few too many extraneous characters that add little to the overall storyline and make keeping track of them all somewhat confusing. That being said, this is still a very solid addition to this series.
July 3, 2021
When a basketball star is charged with murder...
He could lose his chance to go pro. Sam Johnstone becomes Devonte's lawyer, and during the trial it looks as if he will lose the case. Sam's legal firm's boss joins with Sam to defend the basketball star, but when the trial goes sour for Devonte, Sam is forced to call to the stand his boss's son to testify, and his boss flees the courtroom angrily. This puts Sam against the wall. Does he use the fact finding mission to get Devonte off, or does he lose his job with the testimony of his boss's son?
I loved this book. James Chandler is a winning writer!
He could lose his chance to go pro. Sam Johnstone becomes Devonte's lawyer, and during the trial it looks as if he will lose the case. Sam's legal firm's boss joins with Sam to defend the basketball star, but when the trial goes sour for Devonte, Sam is forced to call to the stand his boss's son to testify, and his boss flees the courtroom angrily. This puts Sam against the wall. Does he use the fact finding mission to get Devonte off, or does he lose his job with the testimony of his boss's son?
I loved this book. James Chandler is a winning writer!
September 18, 2022
Chandler needs to stick to his storyline
Chandler is a good writer and this is a decent series, but he seriously needs to stop with all the gratuitous pandering to the "woke" crowd.
I mean, how many times can various characters ask, "because he's black?" or "because he's gay?"
We get it, bro, America is a horribly racist and homophobic country, it's all coming from conservative white people who live in the flyover states, and libs are blameless. NOT!
Just stick to the storyline and stop with the pathetic virtue-signalling or you're going to lose a reader.
Ya know what they say: Go woke, go broke!
Chandler is a good writer and this is a decent series, but he seriously needs to stop with all the gratuitous pandering to the "woke" crowd.
I mean, how many times can various characters ask, "because he's black?" or "because he's gay?"
We get it, bro, America is a horribly racist and homophobic country, it's all coming from conservative white people who live in the flyover states, and libs are blameless. NOT!
Just stick to the storyline and stop with the pathetic virtue-signalling or you're going to lose a reader.
Ya know what they say: Go woke, go broke!
October 25, 2024
I enjoyed this novel which included a plot in which a promising high school basketball player is suspected of killing another student, and there is also a plot in which an abusive husband is arrested for hurting his wife. Then there is a journalist who is focused on making a name for herself by introducing evidence about a murder before the police have released any information about it. Sam, the major character, suffers with PTSD after losing a leg while serving with the army in Afghanistan. As a result, he finds comfort while drinking. All of the plot strands come together in the conclusion. James Chandler writes a good story.
January 31, 2021
Drugs, DNA and a defense - that’s the crux of this book. Add in a small college hot black basketball player looking to turn pro, some homophobic comments, and an all white community in Custer, Wyoming and you have a pot ready to boil over! This book definitely qualifies as a legal thriller, emphasis on thriller. It’s fascinating to watch Sam try and get straight answers, even from his client, to try and figure out how to prove his innocence. Did Devonte commit murder or not?
I received a free advance copy of this book, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I write this review voluntarily.
I received a free advance copy of this book, and thoroughly enjoyed it! I write this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2021
A Gripping Read
Sam Johnstone is back at it. He’s defending someone accused of a heinous crime. One the defendant didn’t commit? Well that’s what jurors are for, to decide evidence in hand what happened, or more likely, who did what! Sam finds himself in these nearly impossible cases. Nearly. But he’s one helluva lawyer. So sit back, well try to sit back because you’ll be on the edge of your seat for a lot of this story, and enjoy the ride! These books are a great series and you can begin with any of them. You’re welcome.
Sam Johnstone is back at it. He’s defending someone accused of a heinous crime. One the defendant didn’t commit? Well that’s what jurors are for, to decide evidence in hand what happened, or more likely, who did what! Sam finds himself in these nearly impossible cases. Nearly. But he’s one helluva lawyer. So sit back, well try to sit back because you’ll be on the edge of your seat for a lot of this story, and enjoy the ride! These books are a great series and you can begin with any of them. You’re welcome.
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