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Tony Valenti #3
A Case of Betrayal
When a woman is brutally slain in a crime with no witnesses, suspicion immediately falls upon her ex-husband. But should it?
As the evidence against him mounts, the suspect’s brother—a friend who recently helped save Tony’s father’s life—turns to Tony Valenti for help. The case is a bewildering maze with multiple suspects and a mountain of contradictory evidence that points both to and away from his client. What is the truth? Even Tony isn’t sure of his client’s innocence.
Tony is already overwhelmed by a case in which nothing is as it seems when a lethal terror from his past surfaces to shake his faith in himself… and to threaten those dearest to him. Suddenly in a desperate race to find the truth of the crime and to protect himself and his family from a mortal threat, Tony fears that he’s in danger of being pulled in too many directions to save anyone.
As the evidence against him mounts, the suspect’s brother—a friend who recently helped save Tony’s father’s life—turns to Tony Valenti for help. The case is a bewildering maze with multiple suspects and a mountain of contradictory evidence that points both to and away from his client. What is the truth? Even Tony isn’t sure of his client’s innocence.
Tony is already overwhelmed by a case in which nothing is as it seems when a lethal terror from his past surfaces to shake his faith in himself… and to threaten those dearest to him. Suddenly in a desperate race to find the truth of the crime and to protect himself and his family from a mortal threat, Tony fears that he’s in danger of being pulled in too many directions to save anyone.
389 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2021
802 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Neil Turner
10 books103 followersNeil Turner is the author of the gripping and highly-acclaimed Tony Valenti Thrillers series. If you like underdogs battling for survival—John Lescroart’s Dismas Hardy, Greg Iles’s Penn Cage, Michael Connelly’s Micky Haller, or John Grisham’s Jake Brigance—it’s time to start reading Tony Valenti.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 30, 2025
Tony Valenti is back in the courtroom fighting the defence for Reg, a Black man accused of brutally murdering his ex wife. Can Tony and his team navigate racial prejudice and an extremely short time to gather evidence successfully?
It took me a long time to get through this book. I felt there was a lot, maybe too much time, spent recapping past storylines and character relationships. As book three in the series, I feel most readers would know the history, and if they didn’t it would have read fine as a standalone. Having thoroughly enjoyed book 1 (issuing a 5 star rating), I feel the author has strayed a bit from the original legal focus and concentrated too much on the family drama, which unfortunately, is not to my personal taste.
I did, however, absolutely love the ending and the courtroom scenes. I thought the judge was a wonderful bonus character and Tony was as lovable as ever. The twists and turns in the final chapters had me flying through the pages and almost forgiving the difficulties I had reading the beginning and middle.
Please note, there are some graphic scenes of sexual assault that some readers may find triggering and difficult to read.
3.5*, unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be reading book 4 soon, but I may revisit in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for my advanced copy.
It took me a long time to get through this book. I felt there was a lot, maybe too much time, spent recapping past storylines and character relationships. As book three in the series, I feel most readers would know the history, and if they didn’t it would have read fine as a standalone. Having thoroughly enjoyed book 1 (issuing a 5 star rating), I feel the author has strayed a bit from the original legal focus and concentrated too much on the family drama, which unfortunately, is not to my personal taste.
I did, however, absolutely love the ending and the courtroom scenes. I thought the judge was a wonderful bonus character and Tony was as lovable as ever. The twists and turns in the final chapters had me flying through the pages and almost forgiving the difficulties I had reading the beginning and middle.
Please note, there are some graphic scenes of sexual assault that some readers may find triggering and difficult to read.
3.5*, unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be reading book 4 soon, but I may revisit in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for my advanced copy.
April 11, 2023
Legal and courtroom drama
A murder, investigations, attorneys, court room, jurors and judge.Just what you need to develop a interesting storyline. This one is good one,that is well written.
A murder, investigations, attorneys, court room, jurors and judge.Just what you need to develop a interesting storyline. This one is good one,that is well written.
December 17, 2021
Neil Turner masters the legal thriller genre with his Toni Valenti mysteries. A Case of Betrayal satisfies his fans with another fascinating story as a defense attorney, Toni Valenti, stands up to the injustice of the press, prejudice stereotypes, and the unfortunate. When his friend asks for his help defending his brother, Toni never fathoms the trouble and danger he attracts. The pressures from work keep him busy as he struggles to save what is left of his family.
I found A Case of Betrayal a fast-paced novel with the edginess of a great crime thriller. Neil Turner has found his niche as a writer of legal mysteries that will keep his readers enthralled. The next book in the series, A Time for Reckoning, promises to be just as enticing.
I found A Case of Betrayal a fast-paced novel with the edginess of a great crime thriller. Neil Turner has found his niche as a writer of legal mysteries that will keep his readers enthralled. The next book in the series, A Time for Reckoning, promises to be just as enticing.
October 1, 2021
A Case of Betrayal is the third book in The Tony Valenti Thrillers series.
This book captured my interest from the very first page and kept me engaged through to the end. The characters are well-depicted and the story is intriguing, with murder, suspense, and danger. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation
This book captured my interest from the very first page and kept me engaged through to the end. The characters are well-depicted and the story is intriguing, with murder, suspense, and danger. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation
March 13, 2023
A case of betrayal
One of the best legal thrillers I've ever seen and left me totally unable to leave it for the normal activities of life. The logic and attention to detail are outstanding and the flow of the action never stops. I downloaded the next book in the series before writing my review.
One of the best legal thrillers I've ever seen and left me totally unable to leave it for the normal activities of life. The logic and attention to detail are outstanding and the flow of the action never stops. I downloaded the next book in the series before writing my review.
November 24, 2022
Had to read this book in one day. I couldn't lay it down!
February 22, 2023
I’m enjoying this series. A Case of Betrayal is the best one do far. I’ll definitely read the next book.
June 12, 2023
Awesome…another hit. Have to move on to the next installment!
October 18, 2021
I received an ARC for an honest review.
The story begins with the murder of Marsha, an insurance agent. Tony gets a call from Mike, the public defender in Tony's father's trial, who had heard from his brother Reg, the ex-husband of the insurance agent that was killed. It hadn't happened yet, but Mike was worried that Reg would be arrested since the primary suspect was either the husband or the boyfriend. A short time later, Tony hears from Mike that his brother is under arrest for Marsha's murder and Mike wants Tony to represent him. Tony has to talk with his law partner, Penelope to clear it and she is away right now. Once she gets back and gives the okay, Tony begins an investigation to see what he can find out. Mike is taking vacation time to help Tony with the defense.
Mike and Tony are the only ones that can do any investigations since the law firm has no investigator. Tony stumbles along and enlists the help of Brittany, his daughter, who along with Alysa and Sara start looking into social media for info. Tony along with Mike haven't found a lot of information and when Tony runs into Jake Plummer, a retire police detective, he gets some pointers. Eventually Jake begins assisting with the investigation. At the same time this has been going on, Brittany has made contact with Carly, her cousin who is the daughter of his estranged brother Frankie.
As the date for the trial gets closer, Tony has met both Jo, Frankie's wife and Carly. Frankie was supposedly out of the country so they came to Chicago. Frankie discovers they were gone and things go from bad to worse. Trish, Tony's girlfriend , gets attacked and winds up in the hospital. This just adds more worry for Tony with the trial fast approaching and he hasn't any idea as to what he is going to do to defend Reg.
The date for the trial arises and the prosecution has rested and it is now Tony's turn to put on a defense. As things go, a great del of information has been uncovered which will play a major part in the defense.
To discover what impact Frankie had on Tony, what information was finally discovered that made a difference, why Trish was attacked and finally, how did the trial end, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.
The story begins with the murder of Marsha, an insurance agent. Tony gets a call from Mike, the public defender in Tony's father's trial, who had heard from his brother Reg, the ex-husband of the insurance agent that was killed. It hadn't happened yet, but Mike was worried that Reg would be arrested since the primary suspect was either the husband or the boyfriend. A short time later, Tony hears from Mike that his brother is under arrest for Marsha's murder and Mike wants Tony to represent him. Tony has to talk with his law partner, Penelope to clear it and she is away right now. Once she gets back and gives the okay, Tony begins an investigation to see what he can find out. Mike is taking vacation time to help Tony with the defense.
Mike and Tony are the only ones that can do any investigations since the law firm has no investigator. Tony stumbles along and enlists the help of Brittany, his daughter, who along with Alysa and Sara start looking into social media for info. Tony along with Mike haven't found a lot of information and when Tony runs into Jake Plummer, a retire police detective, he gets some pointers. Eventually Jake begins assisting with the investigation. At the same time this has been going on, Brittany has made contact with Carly, her cousin who is the daughter of his estranged brother Frankie.
As the date for the trial gets closer, Tony has met both Jo, Frankie's wife and Carly. Frankie was supposedly out of the country so they came to Chicago. Frankie discovers they were gone and things go from bad to worse. Trish, Tony's girlfriend , gets attacked and winds up in the hospital. This just adds more worry for Tony with the trial fast approaching and he hasn't any idea as to what he is going to do to defend Reg.
The date for the trial arises and the prosecution has rested and it is now Tony's turn to put on a defense. As things go, a great del of information has been uncovered which will play a major part in the defense.
To discover what impact Frankie had on Tony, what information was finally discovered that made a difference, why Trish was attacked and finally, how did the trial end, then you must read this book. You won't be disappointed.
May 26, 2024
One of the best legal dramas I have read in years!
I rarely leave reviews but when I do, a novel is either really great or horrendously trashy. This novel, its characters and delivery of storyline was excellent.
Absolute loved how the courtroom scenes were spicy, to the point and didn’t drag out…..something other legal dramas tend to do. There was one editing error (compared to multiple, I notice in other novels and it drives me nuts), unfortunately. I tend to pick up on such things easily.
The story closed very well, with a potential clue as to the focus of the next book in the series….and also a little humour.
In addition, I absolutely loved the characters. The author painted them adequately without giving a complete wardrobe description in every new scene. I found this refreshing as it seems other novelists yearn to increase the number of pages, by delivering fluff rather than substance. I do enjoy being able to picture settings but definitely don’t need a fashion show!
Sure hope the next book is as good as this one was.
I rarely leave reviews but when I do, a novel is either really great or horrendously trashy. This novel, its characters and delivery of storyline was excellent.
Absolute loved how the courtroom scenes were spicy, to the point and didn’t drag out…..something other legal dramas tend to do. There was one editing error (compared to multiple, I notice in other novels and it drives me nuts), unfortunately. I tend to pick up on such things easily.
The story closed very well, with a potential clue as to the focus of the next book in the series….and also a little humour.
In addition, I absolutely loved the characters. The author painted them adequately without giving a complete wardrobe description in every new scene. I found this refreshing as it seems other novelists yearn to increase the number of pages, by delivering fluff rather than substance. I do enjoy being able to picture settings but definitely don’t need a fashion show!
Sure hope the next book is as good as this one was.
April 7, 2025
a page turner, recommend
I think this book deserves 5 ⭐️s. This book is exactly how I like my thriller novels. It has drama, actions, twists and turns, love, commitment, justice, emotions and humor. This storyline and plot was so compelling. What I do like are the relationships. They have strong bond regardless of the situation. I love how they can banter with each others. They know they can depend on each other when needed. The team that was formed for the defense was stellar. I mean you couldn’t have a better team on your side. I was so proud of Tony for putting his fears aside to defend his love ones even though it didn’t work out too good for him but he stood 10 toes down. Frankie is a disgrace and disgusting pos. Tony and Britts still my favorite characters. I don’t know how to feel about Pat yet. I don’t know what category to put her into.
I think this book deserves 5 ⭐️s. This book is exactly how I like my thriller novels. It has drama, actions, twists and turns, love, commitment, justice, emotions and humor. This storyline and plot was so compelling. What I do like are the relationships. They have strong bond regardless of the situation. I love how they can banter with each others. They know they can depend on each other when needed. The team that was formed for the defense was stellar. I mean you couldn’t have a better team on your side. I was so proud of Tony for putting his fears aside to defend his love ones even though it didn’t work out too good for him but he stood 10 toes down. Frankie is a disgrace and disgusting pos. Tony and Britts still my favorite characters. I don’t know how to feel about Pat yet. I don’t know what category to put her into.
January 17, 2025
Took a long time to warm up!
I received the set of the first three books in this serial (N.B., it is not a series. Authors and publishers should be clear as to the difference!
The main character is a weak, too-fond-of-the-bottle, pathetic character,⁷ although he did improve a little by book 3.
Far too much unnecessary blasphemy not, of course, using the names of Muhammad, the Buddha, or Krishna!! There were also spelling, and grammatical errors. Whatever happened to proofreaders?!
I read books 1 & 2 on my Kindle, and have left comments there. Sadly, it "died" as I started book 3, which was read on my mobile - which does not have the facility to comment!
I've read worse - but I've also read much better!
I received the set of the first three books in this serial (N.B., it is not a series. Authors and publishers should be clear as to the difference!
The main character is a weak, too-fond-of-the-bottle, pathetic character,⁷ although he did improve a little by book 3.
Far too much unnecessary blasphemy not, of course, using the names of Muhammad, the Buddha, or Krishna!! There were also spelling, and grammatical errors. Whatever happened to proofreaders?!
I read books 1 & 2 on my Kindle, and have left comments there. Sadly, it "died" as I started book 3, which was read on my mobile - which does not have the facility to comment!
I've read worse - but I've also read much better!
February 22, 2025
The novel opens with the murder of Marsha, an insurance agent and ex wife of Reg. Reg is the brother of public defender that Tony had worked with during his father's trial. Reg is being blamed for the death and Tony is taking on his first murder case.
In the meantime, Tony's brother has appeared in town and has set his sights on destroying Tony both physically and mentally. They fight, and the police are called. The brother makes threats against Tony, his ex wife, and his girlfriend Trish.
In the meantime, Tony's brother has appeared in town and has set his sights on destroying Tony both physically and mentally. They fight, and the police are called. The brother makes threats against Tony, his ex wife, and his girlfriend Trish.
June 13, 2025
Subtitle:Is this a setup or did some other dude do it?
This is a case for looking for the truth while checking what you think you know versus evidence.
The story unfolds not in a straight line but with detours & rejections.
The cobbled loosely together team steadfastly assists TV in the investigation.( including a renovated basement)
Unresolved deadly tension erupts with Tony’s older brother, Frankie.
Last minute courtroom drama emerges keeping you guessing until the end👀
Enjoy the ride❣️
This is a case for looking for the truth while checking what you think you know versus evidence.
The story unfolds not in a straight line but with detours & rejections.
The cobbled loosely together team steadfastly assists TV in the investigation.( including a renovated basement)
Unresolved deadly tension erupts with Tony’s older brother, Frankie.
Last minute courtroom drama emerges keeping you guessing until the end👀
Enjoy the ride❣️
April 30, 2024
A page turning good read
My first of Neil Turner's novels - but not my last. An engrossing character driven read, which keeps the reader interested throughout. Multi-faceted and well written.
My first of Neil Turner's novels - but not my last. An engrossing character driven read, which keeps the reader interested throughout. Multi-faceted and well written.
May 1, 2024
What a great surprise this book was. I’ve not read anything written by this author before but now I am on a mission to read everything he has written. This courtroom drama is among the best I’ve read.
May 22, 2024
What a book. Highly Recommended.
Fast paced. I could not put it down. I usually do not enjoy reading about court cases but this one was enjoyable. Although I guessed who the killer was, the book kept me riveted all the time.
Fast paced. I could not put it down. I usually do not enjoy reading about court cases but this one was enjoyable. Although I guessed who the killer was, the book kept me riveted all the time.
May 31, 2024
Excellent Suspenseful Story
Great mystery novel. The characters were well-developed; the story lines were compelling; the end of the story was satisfying; and the inner workings of the justice system vis a vis the actual trial and the preparation for it were compelling.
Great mystery novel. The characters were well-developed; the story lines were compelling; the end of the story was satisfying; and the inner workings of the justice system vis a vis the actual trial and the preparation for it were compelling.
June 10, 2024
A great story
I thought that this would be another run of the mill laser story, but I was wrong. This kept me fully engrossed until the end. I will definitely read more from this author.
I thought that this would be another run of the mill laser story, but I was wrong. This kept me fully engrossed until the end. I will definitely read more from this author.
July 24, 2024
A real shocker…in a good way
Good courtroom drama enhanced by several sub-plots which take it to another level. This is the third I’ve read in the series and I will certainly be looking for more
Good courtroom drama enhanced by several sub-plots which take it to another level. This is the third I’ve read in the series and I will certainly be looking for more
September 29, 2024
I really enjoyed the book except the fight with Tony's brother & the attack on his girlfriend, too much detail. There is enough violence in the world to want to read about it. Otherwise I rank Neil Turner right up there with John Grissom.
June 3, 2024
It’s what I like in a book, hard to put down murder mystery plot, interesting and believable characters and touching sub plots.
June 4, 2024
A case of betrayal
This is the first time I have read a book by this Author and it won't be the last, thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, Great Book.
This is the first time I have read a book by this Author and it won't be the last, thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish, Great Book.
June 7, 2024
My thing but personally get bored with too much court proceedings.
June 9, 2024
Betrayal
You can't put this book down. One of the most exciting stories I have ever read. It's a little long but worth every minute.
You can't put this book down. One of the most exciting stories I have ever read. It's a little long but worth every minute.
July 13, 2024
A well written courtroom procedural. I docked one star because it ended in a cliff hanger.
July 20, 2024
Great read
Not often you get a book about a trial that you can't put down but this is one that will do it
Not often you get a book about a trial that you can't put down but this is one that will do it
March 9, 2025
Each book in this series is better than the last. Good stories with good character detail and conversation. On to the next Tony Valenti book.
August 22, 2025
I am so happy I found Neil Turners books. So well written, I couldn’t put this one as well as book 1 and book 2 down. Such good stories and exciting to read. I am on to book 4….
December 19, 2025
This book started slowly but gathered momentum as it moved on. In the end the story jelled together to become an enjoyable book to read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews