What do you think?
Rate this book
Thane Banning #1
Contempt
Playing by the rules landed him on death row. Now he’ll have to break all the rules to survive.
After spending five years in jail for a murder he didn't commit, lawyer Thane Banning agrees to take on a case defending a former inmate against the same DA who put Thane behind bars.
Thane is besieged by death threats from the alleged victim’s father and a tidal wave of public outrage following his release, not to mention the corrupt DA who has a grudge to settle. But he doesn’t have much time to think about his personal problems because the case is turning into a nasty fight.
Luckily, prison taught Thane a thing or two about survival in a world full of criminals. The last time he played by the rules in court, he landed on death row. This time he'll have to break more than a few rules to come out of this battle unscathed.
With help from an ex-inmate and an ambitious law student, Thane will do everything in his power to make sure another innocent man isn’t locked up. But will they be able to uncover the truth in time and convince the jury before the gavel drops for the last time?
After spending five years in jail for a murder he didn't commit, lawyer Thane Banning agrees to take on a case defending a former inmate against the same DA who put Thane behind bars.
Thane is besieged by death threats from the alleged victim’s father and a tidal wave of public outrage following his release, not to mention the corrupt DA who has a grudge to settle. But he doesn’t have much time to think about his personal problems because the case is turning into a nasty fight.
Luckily, prison taught Thane a thing or two about survival in a world full of criminals. The last time he played by the rules in court, he landed on death row. This time he'll have to break more than a few rules to come out of this battle unscathed.
With help from an ex-inmate and an ambitious law student, Thane will do everything in his power to make sure another innocent man isn’t locked up. But will they be able to uncover the truth in time and convince the jury before the gavel drops for the last time?
202 pages, ebook
First published July 27, 2020
1105 people are currently reading
260 people want to read
About the author
Michael Cordell
4 books31 followersMichael Cordell is a novelist, playwright and produced screenwriter. He has sold three screenplays to Hollywood, including Beeper, an action-thriller starring Harvey Keitel and Joey Lauren Adams.
Michael currently lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he has taught screenwriting at the University of Virginia and at Writer House.
You can reach Michael at michaeljcordell@gmail.com
Michael currently lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he has taught screenwriting at the University of Virginia and at Writer House.
You can reach Michael at michaeljcordell@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
November 2, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Real Estate Lawyer Thane Banning has spent the last five years in prison, partly on death row, for the murder of Assistant District Attorney Lauren McCoy, who oversaw corruption cases. He has always protested his innocence and after successfully managing to get the only witness testimony thrown out, he is released.
Life on the outside isn’t any easier though as the victim’s father is after Thane paying for his daughter’s murder and the public outrage at his release on a technicality rather than him being cleared of murder means he has to face people either being fearful of him or wanting to make his life hell.
When he gets a call from an ex-inmate, Skunk, with who he became friendly whilst in prison he didn’t envisage taking on another murder case, especially one that is close to him but he knows in his heart that his friend isn’t a murderer. Retired Detective Ted Gruber has been killed at his home. He just happens to be the same detective who arrested Thane on the night of the murder.
Thane has always believed he was set up for Lauren’s murder and he knows that the DA on the case, DA Stone, is corrupt and coming up for re-election. Trouble is Stone not only wants to make sure that Skunk goes down for murder, he also is after Thane being humiliated, just like he feels at him being released.
Contempt is a fast-paced legal thriller set in the USA. Thane Banning is a Real Estate Lawyer who was set up for murder five years ago. After reading and studying criminal law he managed to find a loop-hole that meant the eye-witness statement could be thrown out and with no other witnesses there wasn’t enough evidence to keep him in prison and he is released.
The DA is under scrutiny from the public who voted for him on the back of Thane’s conviction and now he is up for re-election, with Thanes release it looks like he might not be voted in again. When the detective who arrested Thane is murdered the DA sees this as his opportunity to win the publics’ vote again, however, he didn’t see Thane becoming the defence lawyer and he is out to wipe the floor with him.
The plot is perfectly executed and it felt very gritty and raw. The hatred between the DA and Thane came across strong. Alongside the murder trial, we also get to see Thane trying to adapt to life outside of prison and his relationship with his wife who he hadn’t see for the last three years due to wanting her to move on with her life if he was going to spend his life behind bars.
You can tell from the way the book reads that author Michael Cordell is a screenwriter as it was easy for the scenes to play out in my head and visualise perfectly. This would make a great movie or TV series. I was hooked right from the beginning and read it in one sitting as I couldn’t find the right moment to take a break from it as there was so much happening all the time, you could say I was engrossed.
If you enjoy exciting legal thrillers that have you on the edge of your seat and feature characters you can really rally behind then this is a book for you. It is breath-taking at times and most definitely pure enjoyment the whole way through.
Real Estate Lawyer Thane Banning has spent the last five years in prison, partly on death row, for the murder of Assistant District Attorney Lauren McCoy, who oversaw corruption cases. He has always protested his innocence and after successfully managing to get the only witness testimony thrown out, he is released.
Life on the outside isn’t any easier though as the victim’s father is after Thane paying for his daughter’s murder and the public outrage at his release on a technicality rather than him being cleared of murder means he has to face people either being fearful of him or wanting to make his life hell.
When he gets a call from an ex-inmate, Skunk, with who he became friendly whilst in prison he didn’t envisage taking on another murder case, especially one that is close to him but he knows in his heart that his friend isn’t a murderer. Retired Detective Ted Gruber has been killed at his home. He just happens to be the same detective who arrested Thane on the night of the murder.
Thane has always believed he was set up for Lauren’s murder and he knows that the DA on the case, DA Stone, is corrupt and coming up for re-election. Trouble is Stone not only wants to make sure that Skunk goes down for murder, he also is after Thane being humiliated, just like he feels at him being released.
Contempt is a fast-paced legal thriller set in the USA. Thane Banning is a Real Estate Lawyer who was set up for murder five years ago. After reading and studying criminal law he managed to find a loop-hole that meant the eye-witness statement could be thrown out and with no other witnesses there wasn’t enough evidence to keep him in prison and he is released.
The DA is under scrutiny from the public who voted for him on the back of Thane’s conviction and now he is up for re-election, with Thanes release it looks like he might not be voted in again. When the detective who arrested Thane is murdered the DA sees this as his opportunity to win the publics’ vote again, however, he didn’t see Thane becoming the defence lawyer and he is out to wipe the floor with him.
The plot is perfectly executed and it felt very gritty and raw. The hatred between the DA and Thane came across strong. Alongside the murder trial, we also get to see Thane trying to adapt to life outside of prison and his relationship with his wife who he hadn’t see for the last three years due to wanting her to move on with her life if he was going to spend his life behind bars.
You can tell from the way the book reads that author Michael Cordell is a screenwriter as it was easy for the scenes to play out in my head and visualise perfectly. This would make a great movie or TV series. I was hooked right from the beginning and read it in one sitting as I couldn’t find the right moment to take a break from it as there was so much happening all the time, you could say I was engrossed.
If you enjoy exciting legal thrillers that have you on the edge of your seat and feature characters you can really rally behind then this is a book for you. It is breath-taking at times and most definitely pure enjoyment the whole way through.
May 7, 2022
An interesting enough legal thriller with a surprising end that makes it both entertaining and worth reading. It never, however, really goes beyond that. I found myself drifting from time to time and having to reread bits, and just four days after finishing, I am having difficulty remembering anything special about it save the ending. Good enough to read, not good enough to get my recommendation, but you don't need that, do you?. Try it!
December 21, 2020
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
~~~~
This review will appear on my site on December 22, 2020.
~~~~
4.5 Stars
~~~~
This is my first novel by Cordell and I really enjoyed it! Thane Banning is a real estate lawyer who served five years on death row for a murder he did not commit, and he gets released on a technicality. Once he is out he is dealing with many things: People believing he got away with murder, his marriage and rebuilding his life, and the father of his supposed victim seeking retribution. While reading the novel, it really felt like things a person would be living with in this type of situation. I did want to see more of Thane and his wife dealing with their marriage.
Then Thane has an inmate contact him who he was in prison with. This inmate is also facing murder charges from the same DA who put Thane on death row. Remember, Thane is a real estate lawyer, not a criminal defense lawyer, but he takes the case. Because of this you have to suspend your believability and go along for the ride.
I really enjoyed this novel, a lot of it was that Thane was likeable. I also wanted to see what was going to happen in this case, and it ends up going in directions I never expected. I hope that Cordell writes future novels with Thane starring. This is a shorter novel at just over 200 pages and it is very fast-paced. You can tell that Cordell is a screenwriter, this novel would make a very good movie or limited series. If it stayed close to the novel, I would definitely be watching it.
Many thanks to the publisher TCK Publishing for sending me a copy to read and review.
~~~~
This review will appear on my site on December 22, 2020.
~~~~
4.5 Stars
~~~~
This is my first novel by Cordell and I really enjoyed it! Thane Banning is a real estate lawyer who served five years on death row for a murder he did not commit, and he gets released on a technicality. Once he is out he is dealing with many things: People believing he got away with murder, his marriage and rebuilding his life, and the father of his supposed victim seeking retribution. While reading the novel, it really felt like things a person would be living with in this type of situation. I did want to see more of Thane and his wife dealing with their marriage.
Then Thane has an inmate contact him who he was in prison with. This inmate is also facing murder charges from the same DA who put Thane on death row. Remember, Thane is a real estate lawyer, not a criminal defense lawyer, but he takes the case. Because of this you have to suspend your believability and go along for the ride.
I really enjoyed this novel, a lot of it was that Thane was likeable. I also wanted to see what was going to happen in this case, and it ends up going in directions I never expected. I hope that Cordell writes future novels with Thane starring. This is a shorter novel at just over 200 pages and it is very fast-paced. You can tell that Cordell is a screenwriter, this novel would make a very good movie or limited series. If it stayed close to the novel, I would definitely be watching it.
Many thanks to the publisher TCK Publishing for sending me a copy to read and review.
November 5, 2023
"Contempt" by Michael Cordell is a courtroom thriller that held me captive from the very first page. Thane Banning, a lawyer wrongfully imprisoned for five years, faces a perilous battle defending a former inmate against the same DA who once put him behind bars. The relentless suspense, combined with the gritty world of criminals and corrupt officials, had me eagerly turning the pages. As the tension mounted, I couldn't predict the unexpected ending, leaving me yearning for the next book in this duet to answer the lingering questions.
Kindle unlimited read
Kindle unlimited read
September 16, 2020
Contempt by Michael Cordell is a book that will grab your attention almost immediately. If you read many of my reviews you already know that I love legal thrillers. The mystery part intrigues me, and I absolutely can’t close a book where lawyers are playing the cat and mouse game of trying to outsmart each other.
This book ticked all the boxes for me.
🗹 The story caught my interest in the first chapter.
🗹 The writing didn’t distract from the story.
🗹 The characters were believable.
🗹 The story moved at a good pace.
🗹 I wanted to read more stories with these same characters.
🗹 The ending, for the most part, was satisfying.
I can’t say enough good about this book. It starts with Thane Banning being released from prison after five years of incarceration. (That’s interesting. Why was he in prison?).Thane claims to be innocent. (I’ve heard that before.) He discovered a legal matter that was enough to warrant his release. (Interesting.) Then add to that the fact that he is a lawyer. I sat up and took note! (A lawyer in prison?)
When I say the writing didn’t distract. I mean it didn’t at any time stop the story dead in its tracks by calling attention to itself. I’ve read some books that the dialog alone nearly had me in tears. My attention was drawn away from the story and directed toward the intrusive writing. This writing is seamless.
The characters faced challenges that I understood and sympathized with. Thane and his wife had been separated for five long years. And shortly after his incarceration Thane stopped writing or accepting visits from his wife. He wanted her to go on with her life. But now, though they still care for each other, they feel more like strangers.
The story quickly drew me in when Thane is asked to step out of his role as a real estate lawyer, to defend someone who he met while in prison, it becomes another interesting dilemma. Also, this position would pit him against the lawyer who was responsible for helping convict him. A person who Thane felt confident knew that he wasn’t guilty.
Thane puts together a team to work with him on his new case. The team is quite unique. A former inmate and a law student who plays a fairly minor role. But she is a very determined, high-spirited, lady that I’d like to see more of in the future.
I’ll cover the ending in What Concerned Me, but it had a twist that most will not see coming.
What Concerned Me
Basically, the only thing that concerned me at all was the ending. Yes, it was an exciting twist, but I felt the story didn’t offer enough clues to totally support the ending.
Also, it felt like too much was fed to us too quickly. Okay, it is possible that since I couldn’t put the book down and it was 2 A.M. that that had something to do with me not comprehending everything. But after reading it a second time I still have to agree with my earlier statements.
What I Liked Best
Since you’ve probably already picked up on the reasons I highly recommend this book, I will just mention that I love the fact that I’ve discovered a new author to follow!
If you, too, love legal thrillers, Michael Cordell is definitely an author to keep on your radar.
My thanks to TCK Publishing for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review stating my opinion.
Join me
Blog
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
This book ticked all the boxes for me.
🗹 The story caught my interest in the first chapter.
🗹 The writing didn’t distract from the story.
🗹 The characters were believable.
🗹 The story moved at a good pace.
🗹 I wanted to read more stories with these same characters.
🗹 The ending, for the most part, was satisfying.
I can’t say enough good about this book. It starts with Thane Banning being released from prison after five years of incarceration. (That’s interesting. Why was he in prison?).Thane claims to be innocent. (I’ve heard that before.) He discovered a legal matter that was enough to warrant his release. (Interesting.) Then add to that the fact that he is a lawyer. I sat up and took note! (A lawyer in prison?)
When I say the writing didn’t distract. I mean it didn’t at any time stop the story dead in its tracks by calling attention to itself. I’ve read some books that the dialog alone nearly had me in tears. My attention was drawn away from the story and directed toward the intrusive writing. This writing is seamless.
The characters faced challenges that I understood and sympathized with. Thane and his wife had been separated for five long years. And shortly after his incarceration Thane stopped writing or accepting visits from his wife. He wanted her to go on with her life. But now, though they still care for each other, they feel more like strangers.
The story quickly drew me in when Thane is asked to step out of his role as a real estate lawyer, to defend someone who he met while in prison, it becomes another interesting dilemma. Also, this position would pit him against the lawyer who was responsible for helping convict him. A person who Thane felt confident knew that he wasn’t guilty.
Thane puts together a team to work with him on his new case. The team is quite unique. A former inmate and a law student who plays a fairly minor role. But she is a very determined, high-spirited, lady that I’d like to see more of in the future.
I’ll cover the ending in What Concerned Me, but it had a twist that most will not see coming.
What Concerned Me
Basically, the only thing that concerned me at all was the ending. Yes, it was an exciting twist, but I felt the story didn’t offer enough clues to totally support the ending.
Also, it felt like too much was fed to us too quickly. Okay, it is possible that since I couldn’t put the book down and it was 2 A.M. that that had something to do with me not comprehending everything. But after reading it a second time I still have to agree with my earlier statements.
What I Liked Best
Since you’ve probably already picked up on the reasons I highly recommend this book, I will just mention that I love the fact that I’ve discovered a new author to follow!
If you, too, love legal thrillers, Michael Cordell is definitely an author to keep on your radar.
My thanks to TCK Publishing for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review stating my opinion.
Join me
Blog
November 23, 2021
An interesting legal mystery/thriller with a couple of surprise twists.
March 2, 2024
This book is perfect if you want a quick, smart and interesting read. I stayed up late to finish it in one sitting.
I really enjoyed the writing style too, you could easily “ see” the scenes.
Bonus point for the ending! A bit over the top but I did not see it coming and I am assuming it will be used a constant element in the series ( which I hope the author would continue writing)
Perfect TV/Movie material.
I really enjoyed the writing style too, you could easily “ see” the scenes.
Bonus point for the ending! A bit over the top but I did not see it coming and I am assuming it will be used a constant element in the series ( which I hope the author would continue writing)
Perfect TV/Movie material.
September 30, 2020
It’s been some time since I read a legal thriller in the vein of John Grisham. So when I got my hands on this novel by Michael Cordell, I couldn’t wait to dive in and meet the main character, Thane Banning. Thane is a real estate lawyer who went to prison for five years for a murder he didn’t commit. After claiming his innocence for many years, he was finally released on a legal technicality. Now a free man, Thane must adjust to living on the outside and finding ways to connect with his wife, Hannah.
Just when Thane is getting back on his feet and working at his old law firm, he is pulled in to defend, Scotty “Skunk” Burns, a former fellow inmate accused of murder. Unable to resist Skunk’s plea for help, Thane takes the case although he is not a criminal defense lawyer. Not only was this a risky move but he couldn’t blow the chance at going up against DA Bradford Stone, the same prosecutor who put him in prison for five years.
Overall, the scenes, characters and dialogue were realistic. The author did a good job at showing Thane wrestling with the effects prison life had on his life on the outside. The author also did a good job at showing the struggles career criminals like his friend Gideon had in adjusting to being free. It was also interesting to watch these two characters interact because if they didn’t have prison as a nexus, they would probably have nothing in common. However, I loved the respect they had for each other.
As a lawyer, I especially enjoyed the courtroom cat and mouse games both lawyers played in presenting their evidence. The leg work Thane’s legal team (Kristin Peterson, 3rd year USC law student and his friend and ex-con, Gideon) did was very calculating but effective. Without giving away any spoilers I think the ending was a bit rushed and more clues could have been given. Nevertheless, it was a good twist.
Another thing I wished the author explored a bit more was Thane’s relationship with his wife. There was no intimacy except for moments when they held hands. Although his wife was supportive, I felt she was a bit flat and this was a missed opportunity to show some sexual tension/desire between the characters. Despite this, it was a good read that held my attention. I would definitely recommend this novel and read more by Michael Cordell.
Two thumbs up!
My favorite lines:
Thane finally looked away from the stain and glanced around the room. “Doesn’t make sense. Why would Skunk even be in this room? One glance says there is nothing here worth stealing. And if he heard Gruber coming, he wouldn’t try hiding in here: he would run for the back door.”
Gideon chuckled and sized Thane up. “Whoo-ee. Baby, would you lookit you. Thinking more and more like a criminal every day.”
Thanks to TCK Publishing for a copy of this book and the opportunity to provide a review.
Just when Thane is getting back on his feet and working at his old law firm, he is pulled in to defend, Scotty “Skunk” Burns, a former fellow inmate accused of murder. Unable to resist Skunk’s plea for help, Thane takes the case although he is not a criminal defense lawyer. Not only was this a risky move but he couldn’t blow the chance at going up against DA Bradford Stone, the same prosecutor who put him in prison for five years.
Overall, the scenes, characters and dialogue were realistic. The author did a good job at showing Thane wrestling with the effects prison life had on his life on the outside. The author also did a good job at showing the struggles career criminals like his friend Gideon had in adjusting to being free. It was also interesting to watch these two characters interact because if they didn’t have prison as a nexus, they would probably have nothing in common. However, I loved the respect they had for each other.
As a lawyer, I especially enjoyed the courtroom cat and mouse games both lawyers played in presenting their evidence. The leg work Thane’s legal team (Kristin Peterson, 3rd year USC law student and his friend and ex-con, Gideon) did was very calculating but effective. Without giving away any spoilers I think the ending was a bit rushed and more clues could have been given. Nevertheless, it was a good twist.
Another thing I wished the author explored a bit more was Thane’s relationship with his wife. There was no intimacy except for moments when they held hands. Although his wife was supportive, I felt she was a bit flat and this was a missed opportunity to show some sexual tension/desire between the characters. Despite this, it was a good read that held my attention. I would definitely recommend this novel and read more by Michael Cordell.
Two thumbs up!
My favorite lines:
Thane finally looked away from the stain and glanced around the room. “Doesn’t make sense. Why would Skunk even be in this room? One glance says there is nothing here worth stealing. And if he heard Gruber coming, he wouldn’t try hiding in here: he would run for the back door.”
Gideon chuckled and sized Thane up. “Whoo-ee. Baby, would you lookit you. Thinking more and more like a criminal every day.”
Thanks to TCK Publishing for a copy of this book and the opportunity to provide a review.
November 4, 2020
A smart thriller which kept my full attention until the very last word!
Lawyer Thane Banning found himself on the wrong side of the law he committed to uphold when he was jailed for five years for a murder he didn't commit. From the inside he has learned a thing or two about the criminal justice system that wasn't taught in law school and hopefully these new skills will come in handy as he prepares to defend a former inmate against the very same DA who was responsible for Thane being locked away. Can he, with the help for an ex-inmate and a law student, get to the truth before the time runs out?
This is a terrifically written novel; plenty of information to chew on without revealing overly much. I really thought I knew where it was going only to find myself well and truly blindsided when I got to the final pages. Never saw THAT coming! I loved the mix of characters - Thane Banning has a real depth of character and I really hope that Michael Cordell turns this into a series. It's a cracking read; skilfully crafted, beautifully plotted and a sheer delight to read. I loved everything about it and consider it worth all five glowing stars.
My thanks to the publisher both for introducing me to this author's work and for my copy of his novel; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
Lawyer Thane Banning found himself on the wrong side of the law he committed to uphold when he was jailed for five years for a murder he didn't commit. From the inside he has learned a thing or two about the criminal justice system that wasn't taught in law school and hopefully these new skills will come in handy as he prepares to defend a former inmate against the very same DA who was responsible for Thane being locked away. Can he, with the help for an ex-inmate and a law student, get to the truth before the time runs out?
This is a terrifically written novel; plenty of information to chew on without revealing overly much. I really thought I knew where it was going only to find myself well and truly blindsided when I got to the final pages. Never saw THAT coming! I loved the mix of characters - Thane Banning has a real depth of character and I really hope that Michael Cordell turns this into a series. It's a cracking read; skilfully crafted, beautifully plotted and a sheer delight to read. I loved everything about it and consider it worth all five glowing stars.
My thanks to the publisher both for introducing me to this author's work and for my copy of his novel; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
January 22, 2023
Really entertaining
Congratulations, Michael! I was just going to read one more chapter and now it's 3:30AM and worth every minute of how I'm going to feel later today!! Great plot, fabulous ending twist. Keep writing!
Congratulations, Michael! I was just going to read one more chapter and now it's 3:30AM and worth every minute of how I'm going to feel later today!! Great plot, fabulous ending twist. Keep writing!
May 30, 2022
I hope this is the start of a series…
Most enjoyable read I had in a couple years. Thoroughly enjoyed the read! Love the stories and the characters. Check it out!
Most enjoyable read I had in a couple years. Thoroughly enjoyed the read! Love the stories and the characters. Check it out!
November 16, 2020
A story about a man falsely imprisoned for five years and corruption in the DA’s office during a death penalty case? Yes, bring it on!
Contempt is fast-paced, well written, realistic legal suspense. The story might have you questioning just how much “justice” really exists in our justice system.
The first third to half is a little light on details. I would’ve liked to see more of Thane’s adjustment after being released from prison. What we’re shown, though, is handled well. I felt the struggle.
The second half is a rollercoaster ride, all downhill, with no breaks, unexpected turns, hands in the air and no seatbelts.
Can’t wait for more from Michael Cordell!
*I received a review copy from TCK Publishing.*
Contempt is fast-paced, well written, realistic legal suspense. The story might have you questioning just how much “justice” really exists in our justice system.
The first third to half is a little light on details. I would’ve liked to see more of Thane’s adjustment after being released from prison. What we’re shown, though, is handled well. I felt the struggle.
The second half is a rollercoaster ride, all downhill, with no breaks, unexpected turns, hands in the air and no seatbelts.
Can’t wait for more from Michael Cordell!
*I received a review copy from TCK Publishing.*
August 10, 2025
This was a great book! The author certainly had me fooled more than once and I loved it.
A lawyer often specializes in a certain domain in order to help his clients in the best possible way, but a good lawyer, should he not be able to take on any case and make it a success?
That’s how Thane sees it too when a friend reaches out to him. He dives into the case with the determination of a pit bull, deciding to not let go before he has found out the truth. The consequences? Well, that is something he will deal with afterwards. He has to see this through before he can pick up where he left off 5 years ago.
Is it about revenge? Yes. Is it about justice? Yes. Is he taking risks? Yes. Will he uncover the truth? Yes!
I loved the way Thane presented the case. With every page I turned, my mouth started to fall open further and further and when everything was revealed, I could not believe my eyes. Never in a million years would I have seen this coming!
Shockingly good story. 5 stars
Thank you
A lawyer often specializes in a certain domain in order to help his clients in the best possible way, but a good lawyer, should he not be able to take on any case and make it a success?
That’s how Thane sees it too when a friend reaches out to him. He dives into the case with the determination of a pit bull, deciding to not let go before he has found out the truth. The consequences? Well, that is something he will deal with afterwards. He has to see this through before he can pick up where he left off 5 years ago.
Is it about revenge? Yes. Is it about justice? Yes. Is he taking risks? Yes. Will he uncover the truth? Yes!
I loved the way Thane presented the case. With every page I turned, my mouth started to fall open further and further and when everything was revealed, I could not believe my eyes. Never in a million years would I have seen this coming!
Shockingly good story. 5 stars
Thank you
October 1, 2025
This review was also posted on my blog Blattzirkus. The book was kindly provided by the author Michael Cordell. The review reflects 100% of my opinion.
My Opinion
Getting Into the Book
The book reads very quickly, and I had no problems getting into the story.
Weak Characterization
However, even halfway through the book, the characters still felt wooden and almost clinically clean. They all carried something stereotypical, and as a reader, it was almost amusing to see how clearly the roles were divided.
The criminals seemed very intent on being perceived as evil and forced into their roles. Prosecutor Bradford Stone, in particular, lacked a convincing motive for hating Thane Banning as much as he did. Shouldn’t a prosecutor be more objective? How could someone be driven so much by hate? Even the resolution wasn’t entirely satisfying, as it didn’t quite match what we had learned about Bradford Stone throughout the story.
Influence of the Screenwriting Background
It may well be that Michael Cordell’s background as a screenwriter influenced his writing too strongly: relying on stereotypes and giving the characters less depth than possible. To me, Contempt often felt like a half-fleshed-out screenplay. I can easily imagine it as a movie or a TV show – but for a book, I missed the details, the descriptions, and the deeper exploration of individual characters.
Drawn-Out Murder Revelation
Another point was that it took too long before it became clear how the murder victim, Lauren McCoy, had died. Of course, this doesn’t need to be explained at the very beginning, but if it’s delayed for too long, the reader is left in the dark, which eventually becomes frustrating. It makes the pacing of the narrative feel somewhat uneven.
Strengths: The Uneven Trio
What I particularly enjoyed was the uneven trio of Thane, Kristin, and Gideon. They were the anti-heroes in contrast to the polished prosecutor’s team and gave the story a refreshing boost. Reading about them was fun.
Weaknesses in the Character Hannah
A real downside for me was Hannah, Thane’s wife. In my opinion, she existed only to support Thane Banning and not as an independent character. This immediately made me think of the Bechdel Test. Maybe she will be fleshed out more in the upcoming books, but in Contempt, she still felt very two-dimensional.
The Ending: Too Smooth and Convenient
Toward the end, I wasn’t sure if the plot would actually be resolved in this book or if it would continue in Book 2 (Conviction). In the end, it was wrapped up, so Contempt can be read as a standalone. Still, the conclusion felt a bit too smooth: the hero presents his brilliant plan as if it had been orchestrated all along – but throughout the book, it never once seemed as though he had everything under control. This sudden shift felt unauthentic and a bit too easy of a solution.
Conclusion
I give Contempt by Michael Cordell 3.5 stars because I enjoyed the fluid writing style and that the book was engaging to read. However, the characters and the resolution at the end felt too smooth. Overall, it’s a nice in-between read.
My Opinion
Getting Into the Book
The book reads very quickly, and I had no problems getting into the story.
Weak Characterization
However, even halfway through the book, the characters still felt wooden and almost clinically clean. They all carried something stereotypical, and as a reader, it was almost amusing to see how clearly the roles were divided.
The criminals seemed very intent on being perceived as evil and forced into their roles. Prosecutor Bradford Stone, in particular, lacked a convincing motive for hating Thane Banning as much as he did. Shouldn’t a prosecutor be more objective? How could someone be driven so much by hate? Even the resolution wasn’t entirely satisfying, as it didn’t quite match what we had learned about Bradford Stone throughout the story.
Influence of the Screenwriting Background
It may well be that Michael Cordell’s background as a screenwriter influenced his writing too strongly: relying on stereotypes and giving the characters less depth than possible. To me, Contempt often felt like a half-fleshed-out screenplay. I can easily imagine it as a movie or a TV show – but for a book, I missed the details, the descriptions, and the deeper exploration of individual characters.
Drawn-Out Murder Revelation
Another point was that it took too long before it became clear how the murder victim, Lauren McCoy, had died. Of course, this doesn’t need to be explained at the very beginning, but if it’s delayed for too long, the reader is left in the dark, which eventually becomes frustrating. It makes the pacing of the narrative feel somewhat uneven.
Strengths: The Uneven Trio
What I particularly enjoyed was the uneven trio of Thane, Kristin, and Gideon. They were the anti-heroes in contrast to the polished prosecutor’s team and gave the story a refreshing boost. Reading about them was fun.
Weaknesses in the Character Hannah
A real downside for me was Hannah, Thane’s wife. In my opinion, she existed only to support Thane Banning and not as an independent character. This immediately made me think of the Bechdel Test. Maybe she will be fleshed out more in the upcoming books, but in Contempt, she still felt very two-dimensional.
The Ending: Too Smooth and Convenient
Toward the end, I wasn’t sure if the plot would actually be resolved in this book or if it would continue in Book 2 (Conviction). In the end, it was wrapped up, so Contempt can be read as a standalone. Still, the conclusion felt a bit too smooth: the hero presents his brilliant plan as if it had been orchestrated all along – but throughout the book, it never once seemed as though he had everything under control. This sudden shift felt unauthentic and a bit too easy of a solution.
Conclusion
I give Contempt by Michael Cordell 3.5 stars because I enjoyed the fluid writing style and that the book was engaging to read. However, the characters and the resolution at the end felt too smooth. Overall, it’s a nice in-between read.
June 6, 2023
I'm not sure I'd even heard of Michael Cordell before this one was recommended to me and, having finished it, it's a mystery he's escaped my attention till now. I love a courtroom thriller and this is most definitely that. It's an engrossing story with an ingenious plot that threw me off course several times and the central character is really well drawn with a nuanced morality and a compelling backstory.
If I paid really close attention throughout to my plausibility radar, I know I would have picked up on details that would have irritated me, but the pace and twists and turns prevented me from lingering on them for too long as I turned the page to see where it would go next.
A very enjoyable read . . . I started the sequel the moment it was over.
If I paid really close attention throughout to my plausibility radar, I know I would have picked up on details that would have irritated me, but the pace and twists and turns prevented me from lingering on them for too long as I turned the page to see where it would go next.
A very enjoyable read . . . I started the sequel the moment it was over.
January 27, 2022
I enjoy the story and think this book is an entertaining read. Why? Because even with too many holes here and there to sink a ship, for some reasons Contempt still have me kept going through to the end. There’s a nice but not surprise twist at the end that wrap things up pretty well even it’s also quite a cliche…but also a smart one too. Seriously, what surprise me most is I did finish the book. I mean I had given up many books with stronger plot than this one before. Well, I guess I just love to see justice win.
May 8, 2023
It’s like one of those SVU episodes that’s just a filler and doesn’t really get me invested. Good enough to read, not good enough to get my recommendation. 99cents on Amazon, so I def got my money’s worth.
April 27, 2022
CONTEMPT was an intriguing and engaging legal thriller with a surprising twist. Real Estate Lawyer Thane Banning was wrongly accused and convicted of murder. After five years in prison, he manages to get his conviction overturned on a procedural error.
Thane's out of prison but not with a cleared reputation. The court of public opinion and the victim's father are sure that he was guilty. The District Attorney Bradford Stone hates the idea that Thane got out. Stone has quite a reputation for being tough on crime and political ambitions too. Thane's release doesn't provide good optics.
The only ones who believe in Thane are his former boss Joseph Crowell who runs a boutique law firm specializing in real estate developers and their project, and Thane's wife Thane's wife Hannah who almost never lost faith in her husband's innocence but who doesn't really know the man who has come back to her.
When a man he met in prison comes to him for help when he's accused of murder, Thane tries to discourage him. Thane's specialty is real estate law, after all, But the chance to finally take on the DA who has decided that Skunk Burns' case would give him needed publicity for his upcoming campaign, Thane can't pass up the opportunity. What also draws him in is the fact that the man Burns is accused of killing is the same police detective who arrested Thane.
Thane has help from a friend who helped him learn how to survive in prison, Gideon who is a career criminal now out on parole, and Kristin Peterson, a law student twelfth in her class and looking to give herself an edge in the job market when she graduates.
These three unlikely heroes are taking on the might of the LA District Attorney's office. But the underdogs aren't going to play by the rules if it means losing the case.
I really enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down. Thane is an intriguing character who doesn't realize how much prison and death row has changed him. I liked the fast-paced plot and all the twists and turns that it took.
Fans of legal thrillers will enjoy this one and hope for more about the characters.
Thane's out of prison but not with a cleared reputation. The court of public opinion and the victim's father are sure that he was guilty. The District Attorney Bradford Stone hates the idea that Thane got out. Stone has quite a reputation for being tough on crime and political ambitions too. Thane's release doesn't provide good optics.
The only ones who believe in Thane are his former boss Joseph Crowell who runs a boutique law firm specializing in real estate developers and their project, and Thane's wife Thane's wife Hannah who almost never lost faith in her husband's innocence but who doesn't really know the man who has come back to her.
When a man he met in prison comes to him for help when he's accused of murder, Thane tries to discourage him. Thane's specialty is real estate law, after all, But the chance to finally take on the DA who has decided that Skunk Burns' case would give him needed publicity for his upcoming campaign, Thane can't pass up the opportunity. What also draws him in is the fact that the man Burns is accused of killing is the same police detective who arrested Thane.
Thane has help from a friend who helped him learn how to survive in prison, Gideon who is a career criminal now out on parole, and Kristin Peterson, a law student twelfth in her class and looking to give herself an edge in the job market when she graduates.
These three unlikely heroes are taking on the might of the LA District Attorney's office. But the underdogs aren't going to play by the rules if it means losing the case.
I really enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down. Thane is an intriguing character who doesn't realize how much prison and death row has changed him. I liked the fast-paced plot and all the twists and turns that it took.
Fans of legal thrillers will enjoy this one and hope for more about the characters.
November 8, 2021
This novel was filled with believable characters that I cared about (that was the initial hook). I was compelled to discover their stories, had trouble putting the book down and didn't want the story to end. What has made the story stick with me, long after its ending, is the crafty plot line. The author masterfully laid out all the answers in plain view, helped me build a plausible case, and then surprised me in the end. Michael Cordell is a gifted writer and I look forward to reading more of his work in the future.
May 3, 2021
Excellent. This book is much like the works of David Mamet and Scott Turow. Not to reveal any of the plot, it is worth knowing that there are twists within twists within twists. Not only was this an exciting read that I simply could not put down, every time I thought that I had the plot figured out, I was completely wrong. Legal thrillers and mystery stories just don't get any better than this.
March 29, 2020
4+
Lawyer Thane Banning survived five years in prison for a murder he did not commit. After finally getting his conviction overturned, he tries to get back to a normal life, but he soon finds himself defending another ex-con on charges of killing a police officer. This sounded like a great premise for a legal thriller, and I love legal thrillers, so I looked forward to a good read!
Contempt is, indeed, an excellent legal thriller, with lots of devious tricks and shenanigans by the bad guys and the lawyers (Okay, okay, don’t say, “How can you tell the difference?”), both inside and outside the courtroom and a denouement that will make your head spin. On that basis alone, it is worth your time.
Contempt is, however, also a thoughtful exploration of the man Thane Banning and the devastating effect that five years in prison had on him and the people who knew him. One of the reasons I am drawn to legal thrillers is that they tend not to have the degree of nastiness found in many thrillers. As a result, I was at first repelled at Thane’s temper and some of the things he does, but then Cordell led me to understand such behavior as the result of the incarceration. Thane’s actions became forgivable. I came away not just understanding Thane but also with a new appreciation of the need for prison reform.
According to his bio, Michael Cordell is a screenwriter and teaches screenwriting at the University of Virginia. I suspect this background has had an effect on his writing style, which is very vivid without a lot of descriptive passages. He has a special knack for pithy chapter endings, which is a style I especially enjoy. Many are poignant, like his thoughts as he listens to the guard’s footsteps on his last night in prison, “[People] would say he got away with murder, and some would make it their life’s mission to ensure he continued to suffer for his sins. There was nothing he could do to change any of this; but it was all a small price to pay for never again having to tell the time by the sound of another man’s step.”
As the book ends, Thane is facing some decisions about his future. If that future includes more cases as riveting as the one in Contempt, I will certainly be eager to hear about it.
My thanks to Michael Cordell for an advance review copy of this book.
Lawyer Thane Banning survived five years in prison for a murder he did not commit. After finally getting his conviction overturned, he tries to get back to a normal life, but he soon finds himself defending another ex-con on charges of killing a police officer. This sounded like a great premise for a legal thriller, and I love legal thrillers, so I looked forward to a good read!
Contempt is, indeed, an excellent legal thriller, with lots of devious tricks and shenanigans by the bad guys and the lawyers (Okay, okay, don’t say, “How can you tell the difference?”), both inside and outside the courtroom and a denouement that will make your head spin. On that basis alone, it is worth your time.
Contempt is, however, also a thoughtful exploration of the man Thane Banning and the devastating effect that five years in prison had on him and the people who knew him. One of the reasons I am drawn to legal thrillers is that they tend not to have the degree of nastiness found in many thrillers. As a result, I was at first repelled at Thane’s temper and some of the things he does, but then Cordell led me to understand such behavior as the result of the incarceration. Thane’s actions became forgivable. I came away not just understanding Thane but also with a new appreciation of the need for prison reform.
According to his bio, Michael Cordell is a screenwriter and teaches screenwriting at the University of Virginia. I suspect this background has had an effect on his writing style, which is very vivid without a lot of descriptive passages. He has a special knack for pithy chapter endings, which is a style I especially enjoy. Many are poignant, like his thoughts as he listens to the guard’s footsteps on his last night in prison, “[People] would say he got away with murder, and some would make it their life’s mission to ensure he continued to suffer for his sins. There was nothing he could do to change any of this; but it was all a small price to pay for never again having to tell the time by the sound of another man’s step.”
As the book ends, Thane is facing some decisions about his future. If that future includes more cases as riveting as the one in Contempt, I will certainly be eager to hear about it.
My thanks to Michael Cordell for an advance review copy of this book.
November 6, 2020
Rated 4 of 5 stars
Cordell writes a this legal thriller with a character-driven vision. As we meet the main character, Thane, as he is released from prison for a crime he claims he did not commit, we follow him as he immerses himself back into regular life…whilst not being quite “regular” anymore. Thane is a real estate attorney that effectively found a loophole in the legal system which initiated his release. The District Attorney, sullen and disgusted at his release, finds himself face-to-face with Thane again as he fights for a fellow ex-inmate’s freedom. Thane believes his buddy is innocent of murder and uses what he learned in criminal justice law to help his colleague plead his innocence on trial against a blood-hungry, ambitious DA. What Thane finds along his investigation of the crime links certain players to the crime he was jailed for. Readers will follow Thane’s journey as he fights for fairness and justice on what becomes more than one murder case.
Readers will enjoy Cordell’s writing style and character development. Cordell writes in an easy, fluent manner that gives just enough ambiance, environment and purposeful mannerisms that it’s easy to see the town, the people and the purposeful decisions of each character. The only thing I didn’t like about the story is the stereotypical secondary characters. Besides the main character (who was innocent), the other two convicts were black, big guys from poor means and seemingly trigger thin personalities. They also admittedly were thieves and repeat offenders with no futures. I felt that this did a disservice to the story as one could have easily written the big, mean ex-cons similar to the main character and would not have taken away from the story. Unfortunately, this stood out to me as distasteful as a black woman and as a blatant stereotypical misstep on the writers behalf.
All in all, the writing was well done and the plot had a great twist at the end I didn’t see coming. It would’ve been a 5 star novel without the underlying stereotypes.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended
www.ragingbookreviews.com
Cordell writes a this legal thriller with a character-driven vision. As we meet the main character, Thane, as he is released from prison for a crime he claims he did not commit, we follow him as he immerses himself back into regular life…whilst not being quite “regular” anymore. Thane is a real estate attorney that effectively found a loophole in the legal system which initiated his release. The District Attorney, sullen and disgusted at his release, finds himself face-to-face with Thane again as he fights for a fellow ex-inmate’s freedom. Thane believes his buddy is innocent of murder and uses what he learned in criminal justice law to help his colleague plead his innocence on trial against a blood-hungry, ambitious DA. What Thane finds along his investigation of the crime links certain players to the crime he was jailed for. Readers will follow Thane’s journey as he fights for fairness and justice on what becomes more than one murder case.
Readers will enjoy Cordell’s writing style and character development. Cordell writes in an easy, fluent manner that gives just enough ambiance, environment and purposeful mannerisms that it’s easy to see the town, the people and the purposeful decisions of each character. The only thing I didn’t like about the story is the stereotypical secondary characters. Besides the main character (who was innocent), the other two convicts were black, big guys from poor means and seemingly trigger thin personalities. They also admittedly were thieves and repeat offenders with no futures. I felt that this did a disservice to the story as one could have easily written the big, mean ex-cons similar to the main character and would not have taken away from the story. Unfortunately, this stood out to me as distasteful as a black woman and as a blatant stereotypical misstep on the writers behalf.
All in all, the writing was well done and the plot had a great twist at the end I didn’t see coming. It would’ve been a 5 star novel without the underlying stereotypes.
Raging Book Reviews Recommended
www.ragingbookreviews.com
December 29, 2021
Contempt by Michael Cordell is a fast-paced, suspenseful legal thriller set in contemporary LA.
Architectural lawyer Thane Banning served 5 years in prison, on death row, for a crime he did not commit. Surviving brutal violence from guards and inmates alike, he studied criminal law. Facing District Attorney Stone who put him away, Thane gains his freedom on a technicality.
The public still considers him guilty, egged on by the media, fed statements by the DA. But Thane's former employer (Joseph) and his wife (Hannah) are willing to start over again.
Then a former fellow inmate is arrested for murder, and begs Thane to represent him. DA Stone has an open-and-shut, slam-dunk case. But...isn't it too easy, too obvious, to be true? To Thane, saving another man from unjust conviction is the only way to truly regain his life.
Joining Thane in his hunt for the truth are a spunky law student seizing a career-enhancing chance at publicity, and a paroled con who saved Thane's life in prison. Fingers crossed for a sequel - to learn what-happens-next? with Thane, Hannah, Gideon and Kristin.
Architectural lawyer Thane Banning served 5 years in prison, on death row, for a crime he did not commit. Surviving brutal violence from guards and inmates alike, he studied criminal law. Facing District Attorney Stone who put him away, Thane gains his freedom on a technicality.
The public still considers him guilty, egged on by the media, fed statements by the DA. But Thane's former employer (Joseph) and his wife (Hannah) are willing to start over again.
Then a former fellow inmate is arrested for murder, and begs Thane to represent him. DA Stone has an open-and-shut, slam-dunk case. But...isn't it too easy, too obvious, to be true? To Thane, saving another man from unjust conviction is the only way to truly regain his life.
Joining Thane in his hunt for the truth are a spunky law student seizing a career-enhancing chance at publicity, and a paroled con who saved Thane's life in prison. Fingers crossed for a sequel - to learn what-happens-next? with Thane, Hannah, Gideon and Kristin.
September 3, 2022
Thane Banning was a real estate attorney until 5 years ago when he became embroiled in the justice system with an inconceivable result of a conviction. Does an innocent man get sentenced to death row? Thane had no way to prove his innocence 5 years ago. Meeting his nemesis Bradford Stone in court once again the outcome is different. Thane gains freedom on a technicality. But is it truly freedom when the court of public opinion responds to you as a murderer/death row inmate? Do you give up or work to get your life back on track? Should you even try?
A tantalizing legal thriller! Michael Cordell is no stranger to writing as a produced screenwriter, and playwright, and for >15 years has taught screenwriting. For readers of this genre, this articulate writer adding novelist to his credits delivered an immersive reading experience. I was lured into the story by the setting, theme, character development, plot, and conflict. When I least expected the pace to heighten the author used all of his writing craft like a Formula One driver coming out of the last turn toward the checkered flag and the last pages were electrifying.
A tantalizing legal thriller! Michael Cordell is no stranger to writing as a produced screenwriter, and playwright, and for >15 years has taught screenwriting. For readers of this genre, this articulate writer adding novelist to his credits delivered an immersive reading experience. I was lured into the story by the setting, theme, character development, plot, and conflict. When I least expected the pace to heighten the author used all of his writing craft like a Formula One driver coming out of the last turn toward the checkered flag and the last pages were electrifying.
August 18, 2020
Michael Cordell has written a legal thriller that deserves a place in this genre made popular by the masters Scott Turow and John Grisham.
Attorney Thane Banning, imprisoned for five years for a murder he didn’t commit and then freed on a technicality, is a sympathetic character throughout, easy to root for. Readers will eagerly turn the pages as Thane takes on a case of a fellow former inmate and seeks justice for both his client and himself against an ambitious DA.
While much of the story centers around courtroom proceedings, what happens outside of the trial is the real story, and as the climax approaches and the plot tangles begin to unknot, you realize how adept Cordell has been at constructing a complex web of conflicting character motivations, duplicity, and plot twists.
Thane is a strong character who surrounds himself with an unlikely team, including a recent law school grad and a menacing ex-convict. The only character who comes across flat is Thane’s wife, Hannah, who acts in a predictable fashion throughout, but does not mar an otherwise compelling read.
Attorney Thane Banning, imprisoned for five years for a murder he didn’t commit and then freed on a technicality, is a sympathetic character throughout, easy to root for. Readers will eagerly turn the pages as Thane takes on a case of a fellow former inmate and seeks justice for both his client and himself against an ambitious DA.
While much of the story centers around courtroom proceedings, what happens outside of the trial is the real story, and as the climax approaches and the plot tangles begin to unknot, you realize how adept Cordell has been at constructing a complex web of conflicting character motivations, duplicity, and plot twists.
Thane is a strong character who surrounds himself with an unlikely team, including a recent law school grad and a menacing ex-convict. The only character who comes across flat is Thane’s wife, Hannah, who acts in a predictable fashion throughout, but does not mar an otherwise compelling read.
April 10, 2020
This is one fast-paced thriller. Thane Banning, a real estate lawyer, was accused and convicted of murdering Lauren McCoy. Due to a technicality and five years at Forsman, he frees himself. Nothing exciting about that. Oh, but what a wrong assumption.
Thane wants to return to a life of normalcy until he is contacted by an inmate, “Skunk,” who is accused of murdering a detective during an attempted robbery. Why would a real estate attorney take on a case not in his wheelhouse? That is where it gets interesting! And one must mention an LA DA, Stone who is coming for reelection. He was the one who prosecuted Thane and put him away for life? Yep, they are going to battle each other in the courtroom over a two-bit inmate.
I knocked this out in about four hours. It is that exciting and the ending will blow you away!
If you are looking for an entertaining, exciting and engrossing murder mystery, you will not be disappointed.
Five stars
Thane wants to return to a life of normalcy until he is contacted by an inmate, “Skunk,” who is accused of murdering a detective during an attempted robbery. Why would a real estate attorney take on a case not in his wheelhouse? That is where it gets interesting! And one must mention an LA DA, Stone who is coming for reelection. He was the one who prosecuted Thane and put him away for life? Yep, they are going to battle each other in the courtroom over a two-bit inmate.
I knocked this out in about four hours. It is that exciting and the ending will blow you away!
If you are looking for an entertaining, exciting and engrossing murder mystery, you will not be disappointed.
Five stars
September 27, 2020
Contempt by Michael Cordell is a dark and intriguing thriller. A man who once believed in good versus evil and in the law, is now a different man. He was convicted for a crime he never committed. Getting out of jail after 5-years, is a long time. A long time to plan revenge and get back at those who took law into their own hands. Thane is like Bourne. He's a good man that was being used by others for their own benefit. Now, he's on a mission to take them all down. Even if it means, breaking what he once upheld, Thane will break the bad guys for once and all. I was able to easily understand and feel sorry for Thane. I can't imagine what that time was like. Dark and unexpected, Thane was punished for something he didn't do. It's hard not to root for him as he gets back for what happened to him. Overall, this book fits right in with the other big writers like John Grisham and James Patterson.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
August 12, 2021
Thane Banning was serving out his death penaty sentence, but after 5 years, he is being released because of misconduct in the jury trial. Thane was a high dollar real estate lawyer before being convicted of murder.
Now, he is out. His wife, Hannah, has waited for him, but it has been hard. She is running a small bookstore and living in a bad part of town. When Thane gets out, his previous boss at the legal company, wants him back. So, Thane returns.
When Thane is contacted by a former jailmate and goes to see him, "Skunk" wants him to represent him in the crime they are trying him for, murder! So, he has a big decision, will he help someone that was there in prison and had helped him stay alive, but to do so, he has to quit his job and start his own firm to represent Skunk.
A fantastic book and one that you will get get courtroom drama and lots of surprises. Never saw this one coming. I loved it and hope this author is working on another book!
Now, he is out. His wife, Hannah, has waited for him, but it has been hard. She is running a small bookstore and living in a bad part of town. When Thane gets out, his previous boss at the legal company, wants him back. So, Thane returns.
When Thane is contacted by a former jailmate and goes to see him, "Skunk" wants him to represent him in the crime they are trying him for, murder! So, he has a big decision, will he help someone that was there in prison and had helped him stay alive, but to do so, he has to quit his job and start his own firm to represent Skunk.
A fantastic book and one that you will get get courtroom drama and lots of surprises. Never saw this one coming. I loved it and hope this author is working on another book!
October 22, 2021
This is a novel in which the ending upends most of the book. And there nothing to warn the reader that this is going to happen.
Thane spends five years in prison for a murder he did not commit. He gets out on what some people consider a technicality, gets back his lucrative job as a real estate attorney, and moves back in with his wife. But he leaves his job and endangers his marriage in order to defend a petty thief on a murder charge. The same district attorney who Thane believes framed him is prosecuting the thief and Thane wants revenge.
Well, the trial doesn’t go well. But at the very end readers discover that what they believed was happening is very different from the truth. I can’t see anything that would alert anyone to this change, and I’m not sure the ending jibes with the rest of the novel. What I definitely can say is the ending comes out of left field, is not convincing and is morally reprehensible.
The book was engrossing. But very faulty.
Thane spends five years in prison for a murder he did not commit. He gets out on what some people consider a technicality, gets back his lucrative job as a real estate attorney, and moves back in with his wife. But he leaves his job and endangers his marriage in order to defend a petty thief on a murder charge. The same district attorney who Thane believes framed him is prosecuting the thief and Thane wants revenge.
Well, the trial doesn’t go well. But at the very end readers discover that what they believed was happening is very different from the truth. I can’t see anything that would alert anyone to this change, and I’m not sure the ending jibes with the rest of the novel. What I definitely can say is the ending comes out of left field, is not convincing and is morally reprehensible.
The book was engrossing. But very faulty.
August 11, 2020
Contempt by Michael Cordell is a fabulous contemporary legal thriller that will have you glued and guessing.
Miscarriages of justice have occurred and the truth needs to be uncovered. The tension rises as clearing murky waters begin to uncover a different picture.
The action is fast paced and like any courtroom drama, the reader has to sift through the evidence and decide where the truth lies.
Life is not always black and white but various shades of grey. Underdogs need legal representation concerned with justice and not self-promotion.
All the characters were well drawn, provoking a variety of responses from the reader.
I was completely consumed by Contempt and cannot wait to read more by Michael Cordell. Contempt would make a fabulous Netflix series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Miscarriages of justice have occurred and the truth needs to be uncovered. The tension rises as clearing murky waters begin to uncover a different picture.
The action is fast paced and like any courtroom drama, the reader has to sift through the evidence and decide where the truth lies.
Life is not always black and white but various shades of grey. Underdogs need legal representation concerned with justice and not self-promotion.
All the characters were well drawn, provoking a variety of responses from the reader.
I was completely consumed by Contempt and cannot wait to read more by Michael Cordell. Contempt would make a fabulous Netflix series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews