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Butch Karp #7
Justice Denied
Book Seven of the bestselling Butch Karp legal thriller series: a diplomat’s murder reveals a world of genocide and retribution
A Turkish diplomat in New York City is gunned down in broad daylight, and all signs point to an ancient blood feud. The suspected gunman is Armenian. His alleged motive: to avenge the Turkish slaughter of Armenians generations before. But prosecutor Butch Karp has never accepted the easy answer, and he soon realizes the facts of this murder are more complicated than they seem. To close the case, Karp and his investigator wife, Marlene, must infiltrate a cross-section of New York society, while fending off crooks and madmen from every corner of the Big Apple and the world beyond.
This ebook features an illustrated biography of Robert K. Tanenbaum including rare photos from the author’s personal collection.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1994
125 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Robert K. Tanenbaum
76 books280 followersRobert K. Tanenbaum is the New York Times bestselling author of twenty-five legal thrillers and has an accomplished legal career of his own. Before his first book was published, Tanenbaum had already been the Bureau Chief of the Criminal Courts, had run the Homicide Bureau, and had been in charge of the training program for the legal staff for the New York County District Attorney’s Office. He also served as Deputy Chief Counsel to the Congressional Committee investigations into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. In his professional career, Tanenbaum has never lost a felony case. His courtroom experiences bring his books to life, especially in his bestselling series featuring prosecutor Roger “Butch” Karp and his wife, Marlene Ciampi.
Tanenbaum was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the University of California at Berkeley on a basketball scholarship, and remained at Cal, where he earned his law degree from the prestigious Boalt Hall School of Law. After graduating from Berkeley Law, Tanenbaum moved back to New York to work as an assistant district attorney under the legendary New York County DA Frank Hogan. Tanenbaum then served as Deputy Chief Counsel in charge of the Congressional investigations into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.
The blockbuster novel Corruption of Blood (1994), is a fictionalized account of his experience in Washington, D.C.
Tanenbaum returned to the West Coast and began to serve in public office. He was elected to the Beverly Hills City Council in 1986 and twice served as the mayor of Beverly Hills. It was during this time that Tanenbaum began his career as a novelist, drawing from the many fascinating stories of his time as a New York ADA. His successful debut novel, No Lesser Plea (1987), introduces Butch Karp, an assistant district attorney who is battling for justice, and Marlene Ciampi, his associate and love interest. Tanenbaum’s subsequent twenty-two novels portrayed Karp and his crime fighting family and eclectic colleagues facing off against drug lords, corrupt politicians, international assassins, the mafia, and hard-core violent felons.
He has had published eight recent novels as part of the series, as well as two nonfiction titles: The Piano Teacher (1987), exploring his investigation and prosecution of a recidivist psychosexual killer, and Badge of the Assassin (1979), about his prosecution of cop killers, which was made into a movie starring James Woods as Tanenbaum.
Tanenbaum and his wife of forty-three years have three children. He currently resides in California where he has taught Advanced Criminal Procedure at the Boalt Hall School of Law and maintains a private law practice.
Tanenbaum was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He attended the University of California at Berkeley on a basketball scholarship, and remained at Cal, where he earned his law degree from the prestigious Boalt Hall School of Law. After graduating from Berkeley Law, Tanenbaum moved back to New York to work as an assistant district attorney under the legendary New York County DA Frank Hogan. Tanenbaum then served as Deputy Chief Counsel in charge of the Congressional investigations into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.
The blockbuster novel Corruption of Blood (1994), is a fictionalized account of his experience in Washington, D.C.
Tanenbaum returned to the West Coast and began to serve in public office. He was elected to the Beverly Hills City Council in 1986 and twice served as the mayor of Beverly Hills. It was during this time that Tanenbaum began his career as a novelist, drawing from the many fascinating stories of his time as a New York ADA. His successful debut novel, No Lesser Plea (1987), introduces Butch Karp, an assistant district attorney who is battling for justice, and Marlene Ciampi, his associate and love interest. Tanenbaum’s subsequent twenty-two novels portrayed Karp and his crime fighting family and eclectic colleagues facing off against drug lords, corrupt politicians, international assassins, the mafia, and hard-core violent felons.
He has had published eight recent novels as part of the series, as well as two nonfiction titles: The Piano Teacher (1987), exploring his investigation and prosecution of a recidivist psychosexual killer, and Badge of the Assassin (1979), about his prosecution of cop killers, which was made into a movie starring James Woods as Tanenbaum.
Tanenbaum and his wife of forty-three years have three children. He currently resides in California where he has taught Advanced Criminal Procedure at the Boalt Hall School of Law and maintains a private law practice.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
January 10, 2018
Interesting story.
Turkish diplomat is killed, is this a revenge killing by Armenian terrorist? Great detailed history of Armenian genocide and stolen art form museums. Butcher and Marlene's relations and there living conditions in small walk-up apartment with the baby. Murder or suicide, dealings of stolen art and politics of district attorney office. Even you'll learn how to make pizza. Parts really gets long and detailed.
Turkish diplomat is killed, is this a revenge killing by Armenian terrorist? Great detailed history of Armenian genocide and stolen art form museums. Butcher and Marlene's relations and there living conditions in small walk-up apartment with the baby. Murder or suicide, dealings of stolen art and politics of district attorney office. Even you'll learn how to make pizza. Parts really gets long and detailed.
December 18, 2017
These stories never disappoint. Such a great cast of characters with plenty of intrigue and action. This time, a Turkish diplomat is gunned down near the UN. Guilt is quickly assigned to a young Armenian businessman with connections to an alleged terrorist group. However, Karp is not convinced the Armenians had anything to do with it. There is some interesting history woven into the story with the conflict between the Armenians and the Turks. Meanwhile, Karp's wife, Assistant DA Marlene Ciampi, becomes involved in solving a rape/murder which eventually ties into the original case. As always, there are multiple threads to subplots that come together in the end to make an exciting addition to this series. I love these characters. Their actions and conversations are engaging, and the occasional humorous lines thrown in are always good for a laugh.
June 23, 2012
Another excellent novel in the series of books by Robert K. Tanenbaum featuring Bruce Karp and his wife Marlene Ciampi.
Very realistic and fast paced thirllers, the Karp-Ciampi series appeals to me because of the two main characters. Butch Karp , Assistant District Attorney--smart, dedicated, all business. And his fellow ADa and wife, Marlene, who is sometimes a bit more unconventional in her investigations...
The scenes between Karp and Ciampi are excellent--whether a romantic evening or a squabble about the current cases--are lots of fun. These two characters and the other regulars really makes these books an excellent series. Each book can be read alone, although if read in order you see the growth of the characters.
Higly recommened for fans of legal thrillers and mysteries.
Read before I joined Goorreads so dates unknown.
Very realistic and fast paced thirllers, the Karp-Ciampi series appeals to me because of the two main characters. Butch Karp , Assistant District Attorney--smart, dedicated, all business. And his fellow ADa and wife, Marlene, who is sometimes a bit more unconventional in her investigations...
The scenes between Karp and Ciampi are excellent--whether a romantic evening or a squabble about the current cases--are lots of fun. These two characters and the other regulars really makes these books an excellent series. Each book can be read alone, although if read in order you see the growth of the characters.
Higly recommened for fans of legal thrillers and mysteries.
Read before I joined Goorreads so dates unknown.
February 2, 2014
A terrific early entry into the Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampi mystery/court procedural series, "Justice Denied" is a great, quick read. Butch is long suffering, as always, and his wife is juggling new motherhood, a demanding job prosecuting sex offenders, caring for Butch and his bum leg, and dogging crazed murderers. The interaction between the two and their stable of odd and devoted friends and co-workers is a delight. And baby Lucy starts her young life having her life saved by her god-father, a sad sack of a policeman.
August 18, 2008
JUSTICE DENIED - NR
Tanenbaum, Robert K - 6th in Karp/Ciampi series
Homicide Bureau Chief Butch Karp and his dedicated A.D.A. wife, Marlene Ciampi have their hands full in a city of political terrorism, paid assassins, muggers, shysters, and a Mafia muscle man.
Did not work for me.
Tanenbaum, Robert K - 6th in Karp/Ciampi series
Homicide Bureau Chief Butch Karp and his dedicated A.D.A. wife, Marlene Ciampi have their hands full in a city of political terrorism, paid assassins, muggers, shysters, and a Mafia muscle man.
Did not work for me.
May 20, 2018
Fun Read
Much better than the typical “take-on-flight” I was afraid I’d get. Good plot, complicated enough enough to keep you interested, interesting characters more than two- and less than three-dimensional, and I nice walk on memory lane back to the 1980s.
Much better than the typical “take-on-flight” I was afraid I’d get. Good plot, complicated enough enough to keep you interested, interesting characters more than two- and less than three-dimensional, and I nice walk on memory lane back to the 1980s.
June 25, 2019
(This one takes place before #6) Very depressing view of NYC crime. Shapeless mess of a plot, with dumb coincidences and multiple depressing subplots. Karp's handicap is another tedious drag. Terrible pacing at the end. Ridiculous insertion about medieval history. Almost everybody is crooked.
April 3, 2014
Engrossing legal thriller. f-bombs, sex, & as you would expect violence. Well narrated by Travor Burns.
May 20, 2023
Probably not a good idea to begin with what turned out to be #7 in a series with continuing characters New York ADA Butch Karp and his feisty lawyer wife Marlene Ciampi. Not sure why Karp, who is supposedly brilliant and the winningest prosecutor on staff stayed trammelled by a less gifted boss who hates him. Prevailing in 100 out of 100 cases Karp tries is less impressive when the general prosecutorial conviction rate in the USA is over 90% with all the powers they're given. His debilitating knee injury is about as interesting to read about as it is to hear such health woes in real life. It was probably more interesting in a past book how his wife became one-eyed though apparently, she's still the most beautiful woman in the room (glass eye?). I don't know the details because I started skimming to get past the boring domestic parts. Infant care is as thrilling as a bum knee.
The crimes are intertwined in Turkish and Armenian history from ancient times to their more recent falling out that Armenians describe as a holocaust and Turks deny. The author is a talented wordsmith who takes sly digs as in: "the mayor knew that the UN brought forty thousand jobs to New York, and he was determined to let the world know that whether or not lesser New Yorkers fell like flies, the flesh of the international community was as sacred to him as that of his sainted mom".
Not intrigued enough to do any back-reading of books 1 though 6 or forward.
The crimes are intertwined in Turkish and Armenian history from ancient times to their more recent falling out that Armenians describe as a holocaust and Turks deny. The author is a talented wordsmith who takes sly digs as in: "the mayor knew that the UN brought forty thousand jobs to New York, and he was determined to let the world know that whether or not lesser New Yorkers fell like flies, the flesh of the international community was as sacred to him as that of his sainted mom".
Not intrigued enough to do any back-reading of books 1 though 6 or forward.
April 13, 2019
This was a great addition to this series. I’m addicted at this point. I think Marlene is the best character in this series. I like Butch but without his wife it would not jell. Just as with others there are many crimes and many players in this book. Somehow they tie in the end usually with a great oh my gosh one of my favorites is going to die!
August 19, 2018
intriguing tale of prosecutors and entangling work/family life. Almost, but not quite, too entangled—one could follow and see how these entanglements could occur realistically. 1994, hardback via Berea Library, 308 pgs.
December 18, 2022
pat shaughnessy
A very well written book, had to look up a lot of word meanings, not for the lovers of cheaply written detective novels. A bit too many characters, foreign, and otherwise; will read another in the series!
A very well written book, had to look up a lot of word meanings, not for the lovers of cheaply written detective novels. A bit too many characters, foreign, and otherwise; will read another in the series!
November 1, 2018
Still an excellent series
December 15, 2019
Reading through the series. Not sure if I will finish it.
May 14, 2020
I enjoyed the characters in the book. A mix of personalities.
July 14, 2021
Sorry, no
August 29, 2023
A fast and entertaining read. Good characters and compelling writing. I choose this book because of the Armenian and Turkish theme. I'm sure many readers have read the series and I can see why but "too many books, too little time" would keep me from reading more of the series.
October 26, 2023
Another great read
Read
April 12, 2024Uses F word & other profanity. I think the book order is off. I was curious after the ending of the last book. I could look and probably figure out where this should really go but won’t.
July 29, 2015
THIS SUMMARY/REVIEW WAS COPIED FROM OTHER SOURCES AND IS USED ONLY AS A REMINDER OF WHAT THE BOOK WAS ABOUT FOR MY PERSONAL INTEREST. ANY PERSONAL NOTATIONS ARE FOR MY RECOLLECTION ONLY
personal note: didn't work for me; too much foreign politics
An early entry into the Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampi mystery/court procedural series, "Justice Denied" is a great, quick read. Butch is long suffering, as always, and his wife is juggling new motherhood, a demanding job prosecuting sex offenders, caring for Butch and his bum leg, and dogging crazed murderers. The interaction between the two and their stable of odd and devoted friends and co-workers is a delight. And baby Lucy starts her young life having her life saved by her god-father, a sad sack of a policeman.
************
A Turkish diplomat in New York City is gunned down in broad daylight, and all signs point to an ancient blood feud. The suspected gunman is Armenian. His alleged motive is to avenge the slaughter of Armenians by Turks generations before. But prosecutor Butch Karp has never accepted the easy answer, and he soon realizes the facts of this murder are more complicated than they seem. To close the case, Karp and his investigator wife, Marlene, must infiltrate a cross-section of New York society, while fending off crooks and madmen from every corner of the Big Apple and the world beyond
personal note: didn't work for me; too much foreign politics
An early entry into the Butch Karp/Marlene Ciampi mystery/court procedural series, "Justice Denied" is a great, quick read. Butch is long suffering, as always, and his wife is juggling new motherhood, a demanding job prosecuting sex offenders, caring for Butch and his bum leg, and dogging crazed murderers. The interaction between the two and their stable of odd and devoted friends and co-workers is a delight. And baby Lucy starts her young life having her life saved by her god-father, a sad sack of a policeman.
************
A Turkish diplomat in New York City is gunned down in broad daylight, and all signs point to an ancient blood feud. The suspected gunman is Armenian. His alleged motive is to avenge the slaughter of Armenians by Turks generations before. But prosecutor Butch Karp has never accepted the easy answer, and he soon realizes the facts of this murder are more complicated than they seem. To close the case, Karp and his investigator wife, Marlene, must infiltrate a cross-section of New York society, while fending off crooks and madmen from every corner of the Big Apple and the world beyond
January 4, 2009
The next in the series I've been following, still up to the usual high standard. This one involves the assassination of a Turkish diplomat in New York City, possibly by Armenian nationalists. The main characters are still interesting, and the legal/ethical/personal problems continue to be real and pointed. I'm looking forward to the next one, although I'm a little doubtful--it includes our heroes, Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi, getting involved in the reopening of JFK's assassination--and apparently determining whodunnit. I'd be more than just a little doubtful if Tanenbaum had not been deputy chief counsel for a congressional committee examining just that, and if I didn't have such faith in his ghostwriter, Michael Gruber.
February 10, 2017
#6 in the NYC ADA Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi series. A complex thriller with overtones of The Maltese Falcon. (BTW, according to the author's website, this is entry #6 and Corruption of Blood (1995) is entry #7.)
NYC ADA Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi series - As Karp and his fellow prosecutors work a rash of brutal crimes revolving around a fable jewel-encrusted icon. A hit on a Turkish diplomat launches the brisk plot, which soon finds Karp pitted against colleagues as he begins to doubt the guilt of the accused, an Armenian supposedly avenging Turkish atrocities of decades past. Playing hardball bureau politics, Karp, Ciampi and other series folk tie in parallel cases involving art fraud in high and mafia circles, and rape/homicide in a biker gang.
NYC ADA Butch Karp and Marlene Ciampi series - As Karp and his fellow prosecutors work a rash of brutal crimes revolving around a fable jewel-encrusted icon. A hit on a Turkish diplomat launches the brisk plot, which soon finds Karp pitted against colleagues as he begins to doubt the guilt of the accused, an Armenian supposedly avenging Turkish atrocities of decades past. Playing hardball bureau politics, Karp, Ciampi and other series folk tie in parallel cases involving art fraud in high and mafia circles, and rape/homicide in a biker gang.
February 11, 2013
I really enjoy this series a great deal. I love Marlene and Butch ...she is just the sort of feisty female that I love to see in fiction.
The plot, involving the assassination of a Turkish diplomat, is complex and well executed. There are several threads that at first don't seem to relate, but as always, this author pulls them all together in a credible way by the end of the novel.
I really wish someone would put these books on film... they would be a great movie series that could definitely appeal to movie-goers young and old.
I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
3.5 stars.
The plot, involving the assassination of a Turkish diplomat, is complex and well executed. There are several threads that at first don't seem to relate, but as always, this author pulls them all together in a credible way by the end of the novel.
I really wish someone would put these books on film... they would be a great movie series that could definitely appeal to movie-goers young and old.
I'm looking forward to the next one in the series!
3.5 stars.
September 19, 2015
A Turkish diplomat is killed on the streets of New York, and the most likely subject is an Armenian bad boy. But there's more to this than meets the eye thinks Butch Karp, and he's willing to bet big on it.
In the background their home life has other issues. There's a possibility of losing their downtown loft apartment, and their baby girl is growing up quickly.
Butch and his wife Marlene Ciampi work together on a case that overlaps both of their areas of law enforcement -- both sexually-related abuse, and murder.
All in all I enjoyed this one; but not his best.
In the background their home life has other issues. There's a possibility of losing their downtown loft apartment, and their baby girl is growing up quickly.
Butch and his wife Marlene Ciampi work together on a case that overlaps both of their areas of law enforcement -- both sexually-related abuse, and murder.
All in all I enjoyed this one; but not his best.
September 10, 2013
Another in the Butch & Marlene series, along with Harry Bello, the faithful sidekick, doing what they do best. I enjoyed this fast paced who-dun-what story. There seemed to be several unrelated crimes but of course eventually they all wound together. I could have done without the in depth lesson in Turkish Armenian history that I didn't feel added much to the story.
October 14, 2014
I am a real Robert Tanenbaum fan and have read many of his books. Somehow this book did not resonate as well as some of his others. Absent was his cast of really zany characters. Present was a threat to Marlene Ciampi and her daughter. Present was a semi-brilliant courtroom drama. The resolution of who was entitled to what was certainly unexpected.
June 12, 2016
3* The first time I listened to this audiobook (#7 in the series), I didn't get a lot of it. Since then I have listened to several more including recently an excellent one (#20 and 4*), so things became more clear to me and I enjoyed it a lot. Parts are hilarious. I especially enjoyed the Marlene character's contributions. Good one.
April 15, 2012
Another delectable bonbon in the Butch Karp - Marlene Ciampi series, nominally written by Robert K. Tanenbaum, ghosted by the brilliant Michal Gruber. Always intelligent, beautifully written, suspenseful and fascinating.
October 22, 2014
I enjoyed the book but the timeline seemed off. I pulled the order of the series off the author's site but Lucy was younger in this book then the book before it. And it's the little things like that drives me nuts.
August 7, 2016
classic Michael Gruber. while reading a good plotted mystery with believable characters he has me looking up Armenian history and planning on doing some serious history research that I had no idea I was interested in.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews