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Bending Justice #1
Cruel
Kay Havelin just landed her first job as an attorney with a prominent New Orleans law firm, but standing in the way of her dream life and career is her abusive, addict boyfriend, Casey Young.
After offering to help him through rehab, things gets tense and she ends the relationship. But when Casey is found dead a week later, she is called to defend the one person who refused to help her, Casey’s oldest friend and dealer, Markus Finch.
Officer Reese Milo is called to the case after suffering an injury he’s only recently recovered from, and his suspicions arise when his old mentor accuses Kay of lying to put him away. Reese ignores the accusations but in the course of finding out the truth, he becomes more convinced that the old man might not be lying after all.
Is Kay Havelin capable of murder? Or is the old man’s accusation his last shot at revenge? Should Reese trust the man who raised him, or put his faith in a woman whose past is much darker than his own?
After offering to help him through rehab, things gets tense and she ends the relationship. But when Casey is found dead a week later, she is called to defend the one person who refused to help her, Casey’s oldest friend and dealer, Markus Finch.
Officer Reese Milo is called to the case after suffering an injury he’s only recently recovered from, and his suspicions arise when his old mentor accuses Kay of lying to put him away. Reese ignores the accusations but in the course of finding out the truth, he becomes more convinced that the old man might not be lying after all.
Is Kay Havelin capable of murder? Or is the old man’s accusation his last shot at revenge? Should Reese trust the man who raised him, or put his faith in a woman whose past is much darker than his own?
Unknown Binding
About the author
W.L. Knightly
121 books367 followersWL Knightly is a thriller/murder mystery co-writing pen name for two USA Today Best Selling Authors. "W" when not writing can be found dealing in Antique Jewelry and hanging out with her awesome hubby and three kids. And "L" is a full-time writer that lives near Nashville, TN and spends her time cooking, hanging out with her hubs and 3 kiddos, or wrangling new ideas as they float by!
Their love of a good mystery novel caused them to combine forces and go after their dream of telling stories that sent a shiver down your spine. I'm thinking they figured it out!
These two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner.
The rest is history...They'd love for you to join the fun!
Website-http://thezodiackillerseries.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/wlknightlyau...
Insiders Group- https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j1rryhvu53
Their love of a good mystery novel caused them to combine forces and go after their dream of telling stories that sent a shiver down your spine. I'm thinking they figured it out!
These two friends met years ago when they both started writing and publishing in various young adult genres and needed a critique partner.
The rest is history...They'd love for you to join the fun!
Website-http://thezodiackillerseries.com/
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/wlknightlyau...
Insiders Group- https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j1rryhvu53
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 3, 2022
I couldn't get into this book and I don't even know what was happening most of the time and I'm pretty sure it was because of the writing. I think many people would find this story interesting but it wasn't for me. ✩✩
January 25, 2022
“You admitted on the stand that you slept with her. She was a minor.” “My words were twisted. I was railroaded. I couldn’t get a word in edgewise. That’s the trick with the questioning. She was the victim, and I was the dirty old man, abusing his power.”
Intoxicating! I almost forgot that they had discovered the body of a drug addict for a moment. Finding myself totally engrossed in the characters and trying to work out what each of them were hiding. With a fine thread connecting them to each other, who was responsible and what were the hidden agendas? It was a power play where families and friends with connections and untold wealth were used as tools to further yourself in the game. Beware because our enemies hide in plain sight and unravelling the truth may just find you in a body bag. Cruel was the perfect introduction to this new series Bending Justice.
Intoxicating! I almost forgot that they had discovered the body of a drug addict for a moment. Finding myself totally engrossed in the characters and trying to work out what each of them were hiding. With a fine thread connecting them to each other, who was responsible and what were the hidden agendas? It was a power play where families and friends with connections and untold wealth were used as tools to further yourself in the game. Beware because our enemies hide in plain sight and unravelling the truth may just find you in a body bag. Cruel was the perfect introduction to this new series Bending Justice.
August 31, 2022
A lot of dialogue to get to the point but the plot twists were worth the read.
January 27, 2022
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of "CRUEL" WOW!!! WL Knightly you know how to hook your readers right from the start this truly an addicting read full of mystery, suspense, intrigue, secrets, lies, danger, murder, suspicions, twists have you turning the pages.
Kay Havelin celebrates her becoming an attorney at LeBlanc & LeBlanc at the Stella Hotel with BF Marnie Lamkin & partner Scott LeBlanc she's upset her boyfriend Casey Young abandoned her she goes to call him ends up bumping into a man Daniel Davenport who joins her for drink & a dance.
Casey Young arrives home drunk out of his mind & high she tells him she had enough of him doing this & wants him to go to rehab he refuses, she goes to see Markus Finch his dealer & BF to get his help to dealing up him which he say Casey owes him alot of money so he deals for him to pay it back he won't help her to get him into rehab.
Cheif Riles is called out to a homicide Officer Reese Milo & CSI John Sallie arrive to find one Casey Young murdered they call Kay Havelin in for questioning with her friend Marnie but they've been broken up for weeks the Cheif seem to believe her story but when Reese played back video of interview he agreed but there was something he couldn't put his finger on about her.
Officer Reese went to see Judge Eddleman at the prison he was sent there it was a high profile case involving Kay Havelin when he was accuse of sexually assaulting a minor which he admitted to on the stand but he trys to tell Reese she's a liar & wants him to find something on her he's tried multiple times for an appeal all refused.
Kay Havelin & Scott LeBlanc take on Markus Finch case for the murder of Casey Young which they lose her very first case she goes to the prison to see Finch things go badly he loses it calling her all kinds of names the guards come to check on her.
I definitely recommend to get this mind twisted story you don't know who's innocent or guilty Kay Havelin is questionable so is Marnie she strange, then Scott who's a mystery as well, I'm so looking forward to the next book in the new series "BENDING JUSTICE" to see how this plays out. AWESOME AWESOME FIRST BOOK!!!!
Kay Havelin celebrates her becoming an attorney at LeBlanc & LeBlanc at the Stella Hotel with BF Marnie Lamkin & partner Scott LeBlanc she's upset her boyfriend Casey Young abandoned her she goes to call him ends up bumping into a man Daniel Davenport who joins her for drink & a dance.
Casey Young arrives home drunk out of his mind & high she tells him she had enough of him doing this & wants him to go to rehab he refuses, she goes to see Markus Finch his dealer & BF to get his help to dealing up him which he say Casey owes him alot of money so he deals for him to pay it back he won't help her to get him into rehab.
Cheif Riles is called out to a homicide Officer Reese Milo & CSI John Sallie arrive to find one Casey Young murdered they call Kay Havelin in for questioning with her friend Marnie but they've been broken up for weeks the Cheif seem to believe her story but when Reese played back video of interview he agreed but there was something he couldn't put his finger on about her.
Officer Reese went to see Judge Eddleman at the prison he was sent there it was a high profile case involving Kay Havelin when he was accuse of sexually assaulting a minor which he admitted to on the stand but he trys to tell Reese she's a liar & wants him to find something on her he's tried multiple times for an appeal all refused.
Kay Havelin & Scott LeBlanc take on Markus Finch case for the murder of Casey Young which they lose her very first case she goes to the prison to see Finch things go badly he loses it calling her all kinds of names the guards come to check on her.
I definitely recommend to get this mind twisted story you don't know who's innocent or guilty Kay Havelin is questionable so is Marnie she strange, then Scott who's a mystery as well, I'm so looking forward to the next book in the new series "BENDING JUSTICE" to see how this plays out. AWESOME AWESOME FIRST BOOK!!!!
January 28, 2022
Out of the park!
A new series begins and we are left with more questions than answers. Kay has graduated law school and has passed the bar. Now it’s time to get rid of her abusive addict boyfriend. But when he turns up dead she becomes the lawyer to the accused. Meanwhile a judge who is in prison because of his actions against Kay, insists she is lying and Reese, a policeman who is just back on duty after being shot is dragged into it. Is Kay telling the truth? Is it possible she killed her boyfriend, she has a darker past than he knew. Is the judge lying? The suspense ramps up. We are thrown into the middle of multiple mysteries, surrounded by liars, not knowing who the good guy is or who the bad guy is or what the real problem is because there are always more issues with than you can imagine starting off.
Fast paced read, don’t plan on stopping before you get to the end. Be prepared for the intensity and understand everything you think will be wrong, the storyline twists and turns and the suspense will keep you guessing. A great start to a new series by a superb author team. I’m so ready for the next book.
A new series begins and we are left with more questions than answers. Kay has graduated law school and has passed the bar. Now it’s time to get rid of her abusive addict boyfriend. But when he turns up dead she becomes the lawyer to the accused. Meanwhile a judge who is in prison because of his actions against Kay, insists she is lying and Reese, a policeman who is just back on duty after being shot is dragged into it. Is Kay telling the truth? Is it possible she killed her boyfriend, she has a darker past than he knew. Is the judge lying? The suspense ramps up. We are thrown into the middle of multiple mysteries, surrounded by liars, not knowing who the good guy is or who the bad guy is or what the real problem is because there are always more issues with than you can imagine starting off.
Fast paced read, don’t plan on stopping before you get to the end. Be prepared for the intensity and understand everything you think will be wrong, the storyline twists and turns and the suspense will keep you guessing. A great start to a new series by a superb author team. I’m so ready for the next book.
January 27, 2022
A fabulous start to a new series by this amazing author. The book hooks you from the 1st page and refuses to let your interest wander.
This author has the ability to snag your interest from the get go and keeps your interest through her books. They make you think and wonder where the storylines will go.
This series starts with Kay getting a job as an attorney at a prominent law firm. Her boyfriend, Casey is an abusive addict. She throws him out. Casey is found murdered a week later and his friend, Marcus Finch is charged with his murder. Kay is called to represent him in the case.
Did Finch really kill his friend?
A fab start to a new series. Cant wait to read the next book.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. This is my honest review.
This author has the ability to snag your interest from the get go and keeps your interest through her books. They make you think and wonder where the storylines will go.
This series starts with Kay getting a job as an attorney at a prominent law firm. Her boyfriend, Casey is an abusive addict. She throws him out. Casey is found murdered a week later and his friend, Marcus Finch is charged with his murder. Kay is called to represent him in the case.
Did Finch really kill his friend?
A fab start to a new series. Cant wait to read the next book.
I received an ARC from the author. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. This is my honest review.
January 28, 2022
Seemed simple and ultimately complex and exciting
I wasn't necessarily convinced at first, but in the end I loved it because the events keep bouncing around, the characters are unpredictable, and between manipulations, lies, reality may never be what we thought was safe to know, nor who the actors of this story really are. The story and its characters are constantly evolving and have taken me from one uncertainty to another, whether it's for Finch or the imprisoned judge, or Kay who becomes more and more enigmatic, all like the men who gravitate around of her, while Reese, a cop, seeks to understand the entanglement of each other in a succession of dramatic events.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
I wasn't necessarily convinced at first, but in the end I loved it because the events keep bouncing around, the characters are unpredictable, and between manipulations, lies, reality may never be what we thought was safe to know, nor who the actors of this story really are. The story and its characters are constantly evolving and have taken me from one uncertainty to another, whether it's for Finch or the imprisoned judge, or Kay who becomes more and more enigmatic, all like the men who gravitate around of her, while Reese, a cop, seeks to understand the entanglement of each other in a succession of dramatic events.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
January 25, 2022
A great start to a new series with suspense, mystery, lies, secrets, murder and so much more. Kay just passed the bar exam and is now with LeBlanc & LeBlanc attorneys at law family. Her boyfriend Casey Young comes from money but has turned to dealing drugs, gambling and stealing. She was a victim in a high profile case against Judge Eddleman. Judge Eddleman is trying to get an appeal because he thinks Kay Havelin ruined his life. He asked Officer Reece to help him get something he can use against Kay to prove she set him up. This does end with a cliffhanger to get us ready for the next book in the series.
January 28, 2022
Kay is a lawyer that landed a job in New Orleans at a good firm. Her boyfriend is a abusive drug dealer from a wealthy family. She tries to get him to go to rehab but he refuses so she breaks up with him. A week later he’s found murdered. His dealer is accused and she is given the case of defending him. She goes about trying to get the facts. Officer Reese is back at his job and his mentor a Judge asks him to investigate Kay as he holds her responsible for ruining his name. He starts looking and wonders if he’s right as she doesn’t want to talk about it. How will it all work out? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 29, 2022
The stage is set. The players are exposing their background information will help you decide, who dun it.
Knightly once again starts a series that will grab your attention and have you trying to figure out the who and why.
Kay, a new attorney, who was abused as a child and put a sitting judge in jail for child abuse.
Casey, her ex who was an addict.
Finch, Casey's dealer and friend, who may have gotten caught up in a possible Kay web.
Reese, the police officer who is friends with the judge and also investigating the deaths of the characters.
Marnie and Scott, Kay's co-workers who are devoted to her and would do anything for her.
David, a man who is infatuated with Kay but is narried.
Knightly once again starts a series that will grab your attention and have you trying to figure out the who and why.
Kay, a new attorney, who was abused as a child and put a sitting judge in jail for child abuse.
Casey, her ex who was an addict.
Finch, Casey's dealer and friend, who may have gotten caught up in a possible Kay web.
Reese, the police officer who is friends with the judge and also investigating the deaths of the characters.
Marnie and Scott, Kay's co-workers who are devoted to her and would do anything for her.
David, a man who is infatuated with Kay but is narried.
May 17, 2023
Kay Havelin just made partner at her law firm, so she should be happier. The absence of her boyfriend Casey dampens the evening for her. Finding him passing a joint with his friends in her kitchen further cements a decision she has put off for years. Soon after breaking up with Casey, he turns up dead. Is she involved? Does tragedy just follow her?
Frankly, the storyline intrigued me but most of the characters made me too suspicious to root for them. The author also skipped huge chunks of time, told instead of showing, and left me feeling that justice wasn’t served. I don’t think I will continue this series.
Frankly, the storyline intrigued me but most of the characters made me too suspicious to root for them. The author also skipped huge chunks of time, told instead of showing, and left me feeling that justice wasn’t served. I don’t think I will continue this series.
January 22, 2022
Kay Havelin just starting her career as an attorney. She throws her drug addict boyfriend, Casey, out of her house. She wants him to go to rehab, but refuses. Casey is found shot to death. His friend and drug dealer, Finch is charged with the murder. Kay agrees to represent him as his attorney. This is a great start to this series. The story flows and keeps your interest and makes you want to find out more. Anxious for the next one in this series.
April 5, 2022
Kay had somehow conned a Judge into a situation that ended him up in jail. She became a attorney and had decent money then. Her boyfriend at the time Casey was a drug addict and was constantly stealing money from her too. She finally threw him out. She got tired of it all. Shortly after they found Casey dead in an alley. Story goes on from there. Cant say to much more I would give the rest of the story away to much.
January 26, 2022
Oh, what a tangled web! When I first started reading, I had one pet theory but, as I got deeper into the book, that theory began to look less and less likely. By the end, I no longer had a clue what was really going on. This story has left me completely speechless, and desperate to find out what's going to happen next.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
April 6, 2022
The book ends with a lot of unanswered questions. It’s well written, with several twists.
Even though the common denominator in all the crimes is Kay, I don’t think she has anything to do with the murders. Whether or not Judge is truly guilty remains to be answered.
I have my suspicions on who the real killer is, but I guess if I really want to know, I’ll have to read the next book in the series!
Even though the common denominator in all the crimes is Kay, I don’t think she has anything to do with the murders. Whether or not Judge is truly guilty remains to be answered.
I have my suspicions on who the real killer is, but I guess if I really want to know, I’ll have to read the next book in the series!
August 2, 2022
A New Take on Shyster Lawyers?
Kay Havelin, newly minted lawyer, survivor of a sexual assault, girlfriend to a ne’er do well drug addict … anything else? Oh, yes, there’s plenty more where those come from! Every time something happens, Kay is somehow involved - but is she solving problems, or causing them?
Kay Havelin, newly minted lawyer, survivor of a sexual assault, girlfriend to a ne’er do well drug addict … anything else? Oh, yes, there’s plenty more where those come from! Every time something happens, Kay is somehow involved - but is she solving problems, or causing them?
August 4, 2022
I would not recommend this book. The writing is good, but the ending was ridiculous. The writer left you with two unresolved cases. I immediately thought this can't be the end. I don't mind if the writer resolves one case and then opens the possibility of another case to sell the next book, but this was ridiculous. I will not buy the next book, that is for sure.
September 9, 2022
Too clever by half. The author does a fine job of keeping you guessing who's guilty. I still don't know what to think now that I've finished.
First in a six-part series.
I'm not willing to buy another five books to satisfy my curiosity so this is it for me.
It was fun, but be warned that the story is far from finished.
First in a six-part series.
I'm not willing to buy another five books to satisfy my curiosity so this is it for me.
It was fun, but be warned that the story is far from finished.
November 6, 2022
like being cut off in traffic
I am not a fan of a “series” that ends abruptly after raising questions. I am not going to read the next book because I suspect it will abruptly end, leaving the reader hanging. I don’t mind following a character from book to book, as long each book is a stand alone story.
I am not a fan of a “series” that ends abruptly after raising questions. I am not going to read the next book because I suspect it will abruptly end, leaving the reader hanging. I don’t mind following a character from book to book, as long each book is a stand alone story.
July 29, 2023
Brilliant
Book 1 in the series and what a start kay is a lawyer and has not had an easy life but is determined to make a name for herself. Her boyfriend Cassey has no ambition apart from living of her and taking drugs. Kay has had enough and ends the relationship. With a few twists this book was fantastic and looking forward to reading more. Highly recommend
Book 1 in the series and what a start kay is a lawyer and has not had an easy life but is determined to make a name for herself. Her boyfriend Cassey has no ambition apart from living of her and taking drugs. Kay has had enough and ends the relationship. With a few twists this book was fantastic and looking forward to reading more. Highly recommend
January 30, 2022
This book took me a little while to get into, I’d probably say I was half way through and it started to get interesting. At first there seems to be a lot of characters. Then once you get into who’s who, it’s gets good. The last chapter, I saw coming. I can see this being an interesting series.
August 14, 2022
disappointed
Deeply disappointed in this one. At the end it jumps several months (or weeks, hard to say) and there are no answers at the end, just a dangling question with the beginning of a second murder.
Deeply disappointed in this one. At the end it jumps several months (or weeks, hard to say) and there are no answers at the end, just a dangling question with the beginning of a second murder.
April 18, 2023
3 hours of my life….
Predictable, shallow, trite, not-even-believable. Yes, ALL the characters are tied to each other. Yes, the person convicted of the crime is innocent…blah…blah….blah. Stupid “cliff hanger” ending.
Predictable, shallow, trite, not-even-believable. Yes, ALL the characters are tied to each other. Yes, the person convicted of the crime is innocent…blah…blah….blah. Stupid “cliff hanger” ending.
Read
May 24, 2026Worst book i have read in a long time
Terrible prose. Stilted dialogue. And worst of all no ending of any kind. Maybe further books in the series will resolve the mysteries but i will not be reading any more of this rubbish.
Terrible prose. Stilted dialogue. And worst of all no ending of any kind. Maybe further books in the series will resolve the mysteries but i will not be reading any more of this rubbish.
January 27, 2022
Just finished this morning fantastic tale. Sitting on the edge of my seat reading. I almost missed my transit stop it was do engrossing. You have got to read this Eddie Collins book
January 29, 2022
What an intriguing book. Kay lands her first job, an Attorney with a big firm. Having to take on a job that is marred by her ex being found dead is difficult but she’ll do her best.
February 1, 2022
Wow, that started with a bang. I see in this one all may not be as it initially seems. I am certain this series will deliver many more twist and turns along the way. Great way to begin a new series.
July 26, 2022
An excellent murder mystery.
Great story line and character development.
Looking forward to future books in the series.
Great story line and character development.
Looking forward to future books in the series.
August 8, 2022
Great reading
This was really enjoyable to read. There was a lot of suspense and mystery with a great storyline as well.
This was really enjoyable to read. There was a lot of suspense and mystery with a great storyline as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews