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Cass Leary Legal Thriller #10
Cold Evidence
A murder so brutal, only a monster could have committed it. The accused had no motive. But there’s a mountain of evidence against him.
A decorated war hero, Ty Chapman has built his dream life in the quiet lakeside community of Delphi, Michigan. He has a beautiful wife. A baby on the way. Everything to live for. He’s the last person anyone would suspect of beating a local handyman to death behind a seedy motel. But when two credible witnesses see him running from the crime scene, hands bloodied, the police believe they have him cold.
There has to be a reason for the killing. But the prime suspect won’t talk. Not even to his lawyer.
Cass Leary is Delphi’s top defense attorney. In Ty Chapman, she’s finally got a client who can afford her. Only Ty goes mute anytime she tries to get his side of the story. All she has is a parade of character witnesses who swear Ty isn’t capable of such a heinous act.
The more Cass delves into the mystery, the more questions she has about the victim. Only most of what she learns is inadmissible in court and Ty still won’t tell her what really happened in those woods. If that weren’t enough, Cass gets a call that her former mob boss has gone missing and the FBI thinks she’s the key to finding him. Their timing couldn’t be worse as Cass heads into the courtroom to argue for Ty Chapman’s future.
Will Cass’s fight win her client’s freedom or expose an even more shocking truth?
A decorated war hero, Ty Chapman has built his dream life in the quiet lakeside community of Delphi, Michigan. He has a beautiful wife. A baby on the way. Everything to live for. He’s the last person anyone would suspect of beating a local handyman to death behind a seedy motel. But when two credible witnesses see him running from the crime scene, hands bloodied, the police believe they have him cold.
There has to be a reason for the killing. But the prime suspect won’t talk. Not even to his lawyer.
Cass Leary is Delphi’s top defense attorney. In Ty Chapman, she’s finally got a client who can afford her. Only Ty goes mute anytime she tries to get his side of the story. All she has is a parade of character witnesses who swear Ty isn’t capable of such a heinous act.
The more Cass delves into the mystery, the more questions she has about the victim. Only most of what she learns is inadmissible in court and Ty still won’t tell her what really happened in those woods. If that weren’t enough, Cass gets a call that her former mob boss has gone missing and the FBI thinks she’s the key to finding him. Their timing couldn’t be worse as Cass heads into the courtroom to argue for Ty Chapman’s future.
Will Cass’s fight win her client’s freedom or expose an even more shocking truth?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 28, 2022
1032 people are currently reading
252 people want to read
About the author
Robin James
24 books426 followersRobin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.
Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 3, 2022
ღ Robin James has an amazing way to take the reader on a journey that has in the end twists and turns . the author will instantly pull you into the story with Cass Leary, and all the other characters in this series. If you are anything like me, Once you start this book you will not want to put it down.
I might have said this in the pass, but Robin James has outed herself on this installment
March 24, 2024
5.0 stars. I have so much book LOVE for this series, it's highly addictive and this story blew me away with the conclusion of Cass's latest legal case. (Say WHUUT now??? 🤯) This author continues to surprise me with twisty criminal suspense, nail biting courtroom drama and family entanglements (all the "families" 😉). And ARGH!!!! RJ keeps me on the frustrating edge of my seat with Cass/Eric. And that Killian, right?!? Never a dull moment there. This series just keeps getting better and better. Just when I think the next book can't be as good as the one before, I'm always wow'd.
After the first 5-6 books or so I wasn't as excited with Cass's legal cases and wondered where the author would take the story. There's still plenty of other drama to go around, but the courtroom drama lagged. Then BAM! The criminal and courtroom drama takes off, the suspense ratchets up, and I'm flying through the pages. This author ALWAYS comes through. This book was the same. Cass defends her most frustrating client ever. How was this case ever going to resolve with so many strange unanswered questions still hanging out there? But then the turning point came, charging in hard and fast, and I couldn't read quick enough. The author brings an ending here with just enough of a hook (and in my case, sniff, a few emotional tears) to have me craving my fix for book 12.
Now I'm super bummed. Book 12 is weeks away. It can't come soon enough.
Be aware this series HAS to be read in order as the intrigue and the many storylines continue to advance. While I'm waiting for book 12, think I'l l get my Robin James fix starting the Mara Brent series. Mara made a brief appearance earlier in the series. Looking forward to diving in.
After the first 5-6 books or so I wasn't as excited with Cass's legal cases and wondered where the author would take the story. There's still plenty of other drama to go around, but the courtroom drama lagged. Then BAM! The criminal and courtroom drama takes off, the suspense ratchets up, and I'm flying through the pages. This author ALWAYS comes through. This book was the same. Cass defends her most frustrating client ever. How was this case ever going to resolve with so many strange unanswered questions still hanging out there? But then the turning point came, charging in hard and fast, and I couldn't read quick enough. The author brings an ending here with just enough of a hook (and in my case, sniff, a few emotional tears) to have me craving my fix for book 12.
Now I'm super bummed. Book 12 is weeks away. It can't come soon enough.
Be aware this series HAS to be read in order as the intrigue and the many storylines continue to advance. While I'm waiting for book 12, think I'l l get my Robin James fix starting the Mara Brent series. Mara made a brief appearance earlier in the series. Looking forward to diving in.
August 13, 2022
Initially when I finished this book I was stark raving mad. For me the story was utter bollocks and I wanted to give it one star. That twist of the book still bothers me. It added no value to the overall plot in any way whatsoever. It could IMO been left out completely.
I have up until now really enjoyed this series. Cass is a great heroine and I understand that the author needs to close overall ARC of the story in this case I really do hope and I am done.
There were some good things I liked about this book thus being that it was finally a paying client and that it had no ties to Cass, her past, her family or Eric
My actual rating is now somewhere between 2 - 2.5 Stars.
I have up until now really enjoyed this series. Cass is a great heroine and I understand that the author needs to close overall ARC of the story in this case I really do hope and I am done.
There were some good things I liked about this book thus being that it was finally a paying client and that it had no ties to Cass, her past, her family or Eric
My actual rating is now somewhere between 2 - 2.5 Stars.
August 10, 2022
Ice cold
This one started out with a big conflict witch continued right to the end. More new characters mixing it up with the Leary family. Eric is on edge all the way fusing over Cass's safety. She stays on the edge all the way. The ending has a huge surprise. Don't miss this one.Thanks for all the entertainment.
This one started out with a big conflict witch continued right to the end. More new characters mixing it up with the Leary family. Eric is on edge all the way fusing over Cass's safety. She stays on the edge all the way. The ending has a huge surprise. Don't miss this one.Thanks for all the entertainment.
August 2, 2022
Another gripping thriller from this author who gives Grisham a run for his money.
Against her better judgement, Cass Leary is drawn into the case of an ex-marine, Ty Chapman, who is accused of the brutal murder of a local handyman. Saying nothing and despite no apparent motive, evidence and witnesses seem to clearly point to Ty's guilt With little to go on and no help from her client, Cass has her work cut out in preparing a defence.
'Mute' client aside, complications arise for Cass when Killian Murphy lands on her doorstep just as she and Detective Eric Wray are cementing their relationship, soon followed by FBI Special Agent Lee Cannon in hot pursuit of Murphy. Compounded by family dramas and a killer at her heels, this is probably Cass' toughest case to date.
As usual, the pace is fast with a roller- coaster plot full of twists and turns, ending with a shocking finale that I didn't see coming. James just gets better & better. The writing is pure class, with courtroom drama at its best. Can't wait for the next one.
Against her better judgement, Cass Leary is drawn into the case of an ex-marine, Ty Chapman, who is accused of the brutal murder of a local handyman. Saying nothing and despite no apparent motive, evidence and witnesses seem to clearly point to Ty's guilt With little to go on and no help from her client, Cass has her work cut out in preparing a defence.
'Mute' client aside, complications arise for Cass when Killian Murphy lands on her doorstep just as she and Detective Eric Wray are cementing their relationship, soon followed by FBI Special Agent Lee Cannon in hot pursuit of Murphy. Compounded by family dramas and a killer at her heels, this is probably Cass' toughest case to date.
As usual, the pace is fast with a roller- coaster plot full of twists and turns, ending with a shocking finale that I didn't see coming. James just gets better & better. The writing is pure class, with courtroom drama at its best. Can't wait for the next one.
August 8, 2022
Another great book by Robin James. I just love her work. Spellbinding and the end, well not as I thought it would end. I hope she keeps on writing Cass Leary novels. I can’t wait until May 2023 to read the next one. If you are a fan this one will not disappoint and if you haven’t started reading Robin James start at the beginning, either lawyers, Cass Leary or Mara Brent.
August 2, 2022
BEST Yet!
What a thrilling, magnificent story... exciting, titillating, and emotional, I couldn't put it down... that's hard to say about a mostly courtroom thriller! So many twists and turns yet all plausible! Great Read!
What a thrilling, magnificent story... exciting, titillating, and emotional, I couldn't put it down... that's hard to say about a mostly courtroom thriller! So many twists and turns yet all plausible! Great Read!
August 1, 2022
great
As always this book was a page turner. Read it in two days. Always leaves you excited for the next one
As always this book was a page turner. Read it in two days. Always leaves you excited for the next one
August 5, 2022
4.5 star read, rounding up to 5
Why? For one thing, this entry is far better than its predecessor, Guilty Acts, which rated the lowest of the entire Cass Leary series for me. For that entry, it just seemed like Robin James just wasn't as much interested in investing in her characters' carefully crafted subplots from the previous books. Things had felt cheaper than before. Less cared for. Less fulfilling. Then this book came around and felt just like old times, almost as if Robin James was saving all the good stuff for this entry at the expense of the previous one. Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess, but... that's how I felt.
But the more important reason this book was worth the extra star is the glorious revelations it sported, particularly in the final third act of it. Not only did it reunite me with what I adored about this series (prior to book 9), such as a quick pace, characters, and the wonderful blending of the legal case and familial subplots, it also managed to wow me in ways I didn't expect. Even if I had my guesses, I was thrown for a loop again and again. I was super-duper invested in the story in every single way, and it felt good to not only CARE about the characters again, but for Robin to seemingly do the same, back to her old ways pre-Guilty Acts.
Since this is a non-spoiler review, I'll not delve into how certain details had me feeling in regard to the plot. All I'll say is ooph, how complicated things get when Irish charmer Killian is around. The dude appears on Cass's doorstep just after Cass finally gets busy with Eric (which is how the previous book ended), and you just KNOW you're in for a ride with that guy. Add onto that the newest case that lands in Cass's life, involving a man accused of brutally butchering another man in the woods. And seeing as how the accused is rather tight-lipped about the whole thing, Cass finds herself in quite the stressful pickle.
If I had to complain about anything, it's certain plot details that felt like loose ends in the grand scheme of things. Events occurred that didn't get the kinds of answers I would have liked. Even a plot detail revealed in book 8 is consistently glossed over, and it's honestly sort of bothersome that it's STILL not something being acknowledged. Hopefully the next in the series will reference that detail sooner rather than later, among other things. I look forward to more Cass Leary either way.
Why? For one thing, this entry is far better than its predecessor, Guilty Acts, which rated the lowest of the entire Cass Leary series for me. For that entry, it just seemed like Robin James just wasn't as much interested in investing in her characters' carefully crafted subplots from the previous books. Things had felt cheaper than before. Less cared for. Less fulfilling. Then this book came around and felt just like old times, almost as if Robin James was saving all the good stuff for this entry at the expense of the previous one. Whether or not that's true is anyone's guess, but... that's how I felt.
But the more important reason this book was worth the extra star is the glorious revelations it sported, particularly in the final third act of it. Not only did it reunite me with what I adored about this series (prior to book 9), such as a quick pace, characters, and the wonderful blending of the legal case and familial subplots, it also managed to wow me in ways I didn't expect. Even if I had my guesses, I was thrown for a loop again and again. I was super-duper invested in the story in every single way, and it felt good to not only CARE about the characters again, but for Robin to seemingly do the same, back to her old ways pre-Guilty Acts.
Since this is a non-spoiler review, I'll not delve into how certain details had me feeling in regard to the plot. All I'll say is ooph, how complicated things get when Irish charmer Killian is around. The dude appears on Cass's doorstep just after Cass finally gets busy with Eric (which is how the previous book ended), and you just KNOW you're in for a ride with that guy. Add onto that the newest case that lands in Cass's life, involving a man accused of brutally butchering another man in the woods. And seeing as how the accused is rather tight-lipped about the whole thing, Cass finds herself in quite the stressful pickle.
If I had to complain about anything, it's certain plot details that felt like loose ends in the grand scheme of things. Events occurred that didn't get the kinds of answers I would have liked. Even a plot detail revealed in book 8 is consistently glossed over, and it's honestly sort of bothersome that it's STILL not something being acknowledged. Hopefully the next in the series will reference that detail sooner rather than later, among other things. I look forward to more Cass Leary either way.
August 8, 2022
So many players
Really a 3.5 star rating
There were so many players in this book. This led to a lot, Maybe too many conflicts. This case in particular, seemed quite convoluted. The conflicts included, Cass and Killian, Cass and Eric, Cass and her client and Eric and Killian.
Of course, as with all her cases, we have a resolution and find out what really happened. I think this one was a bit of a stretch. The stoicism of Tyler was suspenseful in the beginning, but....
I have read all of the Cass Leary books in the series and I have to say, I have grown to dislike her over the last three books. This one really sealed it for me. She uses the love and concern of the men around her to manipulate them. You really see it in this book. How she did Killian and Agent Lee was wrong! She acts like she is so strong and everyone needs her and then she is accusing Killian of using her. Funny how when shd needs something she quickly calls him. Of course he helps because he truly loves her. How she gets used is due to her own arrogance. We saw this in a previous case she took.
I am so over the conflict between her and Eric. She thinks she knows all and puts others at risk because of it.Eric has had to save her on at least three occasions.
I thought this was going to be the last of this series. I am not sure if I will continue to the end, considering how I feel about the main character.
Really a 3.5 star rating
There were so many players in this book. This led to a lot, Maybe too many conflicts. This case in particular, seemed quite convoluted. The conflicts included, Cass and Killian, Cass and Eric, Cass and her client and Eric and Killian.
Of course, as with all her cases, we have a resolution and find out what really happened. I think this one was a bit of a stretch. The stoicism of Tyler was suspenseful in the beginning, but....
I have read all of the Cass Leary books in the series and I have to say, I have grown to dislike her over the last three books. This one really sealed it for me. She uses the love and concern of the men around her to manipulate them. You really see it in this book. How she did Killian and Agent Lee was wrong! She acts like she is so strong and everyone needs her and then she is accusing Killian of using her. Funny how when shd needs something she quickly calls him. Of course he helps because he truly loves her. How she gets used is due to her own arrogance. We saw this in a previous case she took.
I am so over the conflict between her and Eric. She thinks she knows all and puts others at risk because of it.Eric has had to save her on at least three occasions.
I thought this was going to be the last of this series. I am not sure if I will continue to the end, considering how I feel about the main character.
August 3, 2022
Great Series
This is a really great series! The characters bring you right in as though they are real people and there are so many twists.and turns in the plot. Can't wait to read the next one.
This is a really great series! The characters bring you right in as though they are real people and there are so many twists.and turns in the plot. Can't wait to read the next one.
October 23, 2023
My least favorite Cass Leary book so far. I'm really over the mob stuff. 😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2022
couldn’t stop reading
Love this series but is book was my favorite. I couldn’t put it down. Twist and turns that keep you on your toes. Great character development. Must read.
Love this series but is book was my favorite. I couldn’t put it down. Twist and turns that keep you on your toes. Great character development. Must read.
Read
August 1, 2022Love the series.
August 1, 2022
Wow
Never got near figuring this one !! What a tremendous series! Tears and cheers this time around . go for it!
Never got near figuring this one !! What a tremendous series! Tears and cheers this time around . go for it!
August 2, 2022
Heart rendering
A page turned start to finish. Twists &turns so gripping you won't put it down till the end great surprise ending!!!
A page turned start to finish. Twists &turns so gripping you won't put it down till the end great surprise ending!!!
August 2, 2022
as always, Cass wants to win.
Cass us competitive and always wants to win. But she puts other people’s lives in danger.
I don’t like it; so l gave a 4.
Cass us competitive and always wants to win. But she puts other people’s lives in danger.
I don’t like it; so l gave a 4.
August 2, 2022
Excellent
Robin James can really tell a story. This one is another in her ever increasing number of excellent books. I really enjoy the way she develops the characters.
Robin James can really tell a story. This one is another in her ever increasing number of excellent books. I really enjoy the way she develops the characters.
August 6, 2022
I've read all the Cass Leary books and really enjoyed them all. I read a review where the reviewer thought the previous book (#9) wasn't as good as prior ones (I have to agree!), but this one went over and above...again, I fully agree with this! I was completely thrown when all was revealed!! Excellent! Will be awaiting the next installment, #11, to come sometime next year. I've been reading all of these available on Kindle Unlimited.
Read
August 6, 2022Couldn't stop reading
This series has never had brakes. Cass Leary and her family and friends get through everything together. This novel brings together long buried secrets and vicious violence for a series of shocking revelations.
The scenes explode off the pages and the cast of characters feel like friends. I highly recommend you start with book one in this series. Happy reading.
This series has never had brakes. Cass Leary and her family and friends get through everything together. This novel brings together long buried secrets and vicious violence for a series of shocking revelations.
The scenes explode off the pages and the cast of characters feel like friends. I highly recommend you start with book one in this series. Happy reading.
Read
August 8, 2022This was book ten in the Cass Leary series and it was just as good as the first nine. The plot was riveting and the novel was difficult to put down. The story moved at a solid pace and was enjoyable. A solid five star read.
August 9, 2022
Exceptional writing!
I don’t know how James can get a story to twist us inside out, but she does. How these books will never make it to Netflix or somewhere as a series, I don’t know that either. What i do know; expect the unexpected!
I don’t know how James can get a story to twist us inside out, but she does. How these books will never make it to Netflix or somewhere as a series, I don’t know that either. What i do know; expect the unexpected!
July 31, 2022
Wow!
I've been filling my time waiting for this book. It absolutely does not disappoint. I think it's one of the best yet, and that's saying something.
I've been filling my time waiting for this book. It absolutely does not disappoint. I think it's one of the best yet, and that's saying something.
August 1, 2022
Great legal thriller
Twist and turns abound. Plot thickens and thickens some more. Killers, mobs, murders, and then......A baby. Highly recommend this book.
Twist and turns abound. Plot thickens and thickens some more. Killers, mobs, murders, and then......A baby. Highly recommend this book.
July 31, 2022
Thrilling
One of the best books of the series! Interesting and intriguing with a lot of twists and a great ending.
One of the best books of the series! Interesting and intriguing with a lot of twists and a great ending.
August 4, 2022
Another amazing Cass Leary book. I love them so much. Just the right amount of suspense and courtroom. The characters are amazing and I can’t wait to see what happens next
August 7, 2022
Excellent
Really enjoy reading the Class Leary books. The bad thing is I can't put them down and I finish too fast. Can't wait for the next one to come out to see what trouble Cass can get herself into.
Really enjoy reading the Class Leary books. The bad thing is I can't put them down and I finish too fast. Can't wait for the next one to come out to see what trouble Cass can get herself into.
August 7, 2022
Cass is asked by a prenant young lady to defend her husband in a very gruesome murder. The problem is her client isn't talking to her. He only asks that she prevent him from spending the rest of his life in prison.
August 16, 2022
Wasn't Expecting This!
Once again I could not stop reading "Cold Evidence". Robin James continues to deliver challenging plots with unexpected twists and turns.
Once again I could not stop reading "Cold Evidence". Robin James continues to deliver challenging plots with unexpected twists and turns.
August 13, 2022
Cold Evidence
This author knows how to write which is why I keep reading. But, I’m not a fan of the murder mystery soap opera drama that keeps happening. I didn’t love this one as much. And I considered not even finishing because it’s seriously a soap opera.
This author knows how to write which is why I keep reading. But, I’m not a fan of the murder mystery soap opera drama that keeps happening. I didn’t love this one as much. And I considered not even finishing because it’s seriously a soap opera.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews