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In Danger of Judgment
When a covert operation during the Vietnam War ends in tragedy, one of its members resolves to kill the man who betrayed it to the enemy. Now, fifteen years later, he'll finally get his chance.
Chicago, 1987. Home of mediocre baseball teams, gangs that rule the streets, and a Mexican drug cartel that supplies the city with heroin. Chicago Police Detective Marcelle DeSantis and her partner, Bernie Bernardelli, are working a series of heroin-related murders, and their job just got more complicated. The man who sabotaged the Vietnam operation, Robert Thornton, is now the chief enforcer for a Southeast Asian heroin cartel, and after fifteen years overseas he's arrived in Chicago to eliminate the reigning cartel and seize control of the city's heroin trade.
Racing to stop a drug war, Marcelle and Bernie don't realize they're about to be caught in a deadly crossfire: another man is circling in the wings, one of Thornton's soldiers from Vietnam, who's preparing to exact his long-sought revenge against his former mentor. He's the last person anyone would ever suspect, and when he finally makes his move, the paths of these four people will explosively converge.
Chicago, 1987. Home of mediocre baseball teams, gangs that rule the streets, and a Mexican drug cartel that supplies the city with heroin. Chicago Police Detective Marcelle DeSantis and her partner, Bernie Bernardelli, are working a series of heroin-related murders, and their job just got more complicated. The man who sabotaged the Vietnam operation, Robert Thornton, is now the chief enforcer for a Southeast Asian heroin cartel, and after fifteen years overseas he's arrived in Chicago to eliminate the reigning cartel and seize control of the city's heroin trade.
Racing to stop a drug war, Marcelle and Bernie don't realize they're about to be caught in a deadly crossfire: another man is circling in the wings, one of Thornton's soldiers from Vietnam, who's preparing to exact his long-sought revenge against his former mentor. He's the last person anyone would ever suspect, and when he finally makes his move, the paths of these four people will explosively converge.
- GenresFiction
382 pages, Hardcover
First published August 4, 2022
55 people are currently reading
53 people want to read
About the author
David Rabin
1 book11 followersDavid Rabin was born in Chicago and raised in its Lakeview neighborhood. He later moved to Atlanta, where he worked as a trial lawyer for thirty-three years. Now retired, he writes crime fiction, runs a competitive shooting program, and competes in rifle sports, including the discipline of Highpower Rifle, in which he holds two High Master classifications. His debut novel, In Danger of Judgment, has been honored with multiple awards. Learn more at https://davidrabinauthor.com/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 2, 2022
I loved this twisty debut! In Danger of Judgment, we are taken to 1987 Chicago the home of mediocre baseball teams, gangs rule the streets, and a Mexican cartel that ensure the city has plenty of heroin. Chicago Police detectives Marcell and Bernie have caught a series of heroin-related murders. Their jobs become more complicated when they learn that Robert (the man who sabotaged the Vietnam mission) runs the Southeast Asian heroin cartel. After 15 years, he wants revenge.
This book is unique and engaging from start to finish. The suspense in this story is palpable and will keep you wanting more. Being from the Midwest and having been to Chicago many times, the descriptions are vivid and spot on. In a city that has changed over the years, I felt myself back in 1987. The characters are brilliantly written and relatable. I appreciated the backstory and am a huge fan of the Vietnam era. I also liked how the story spanned Asia and North America. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you David Rabin, Black Rose Writing, and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
This book is unique and engaging from start to finish. The suspense in this story is palpable and will keep you wanting more. Being from the Midwest and having been to Chicago many times, the descriptions are vivid and spot on. In a city that has changed over the years, I felt myself back in 1987. The characters are brilliantly written and relatable. I appreciated the backstory and am a huge fan of the Vietnam era. I also liked how the story spanned Asia and North America. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
I received an advance review copy for free am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you David Rabin, Black Rose Writing, and Partners In Crime Tours. I'm excited to be a part of this tour.
June 19, 2022
This was a great book! I couldn't put it down, Amazing debut novel from a local author of Atlanta makes it even cooler! Check it out! I have an autographed copy!
August 3, 2022
This new author is definitely a good read! The story is intriguing with interesting characters and thorough research noted through out the book. I could not wait each day for my reading time to learn more about this crime world in Chicago. The author has succeeded in creating a thriller that kept me wondering to the very end. I am looking forward to his next work.
May 21, 2022
David Rabin’s stunning debut crime thriller, In Danger of Judgment, releases on August 4th with Black Rose Writing, and I had the pleasure and privilege of reading an advanced copy.
Set in Chicago in the nineteen-eighties, this page-turner follows Detectives Marcelle DeSantis and Bernie Bernardelli as they race to get to the bottom of a string of drug-related murders, which they believe were perpetrated by two warring cartels. To their surprise, they learn that Robert Thornton, a man with a shady past as a mercenary in Southeast Asia, is muscling his way into the city’s drug trade, and he intends to kill whoever stands in his way. Assisting Marcelle and Bernie in their hunt for Thornton is John Shepard, Special Agent of the Internal Revenue Service, Narcotics-Related Financial Crimes unit.
Though Marcelle and Bernie suspect John hasn’t told them the entire truth about Thornton’s past, together they scramble to find and stop the man before more dead bodies appear. Unbeknownst to the detectives, another person holds a longstanding grudge against Thornton and also wants him dead. While trying to capture Thornton, Marcelle and Bernie risk their lives and get caught in the crosshairs.
The novel moves deftly from the sassy Marcelle, her partner (Bernie), the socially awkward John Shepard, “Professor” Thornton, and members of Chicago drug gangs in a breathtaking plot that left me compulsively turning pages. The prose is skillful and self-assured, and the dialogue and characters are realistic, well-drawn, and convincing. Marcelle’s feisty spirit contrasts beautifully with Bernie’s steady personality, and I enjoyed the brainstorming and interplay between the two, including the “learning moments” that Bernie shares with his younger partner.
A fascinating subplot involves Bernie’s attempt to befriend John Shepard and teach him basic social skills in advance of a date.
Fans of Barry Eisler, Stephen Hunter, and David Baldacci will enjoy Rabin’s fast-paced plot. Kudos to Mr. Rabin on the high quality of the prose, the thrilling plot with a twist and surprise ending, and the extensive research that went into this novel. I highly recommend it!
Set in Chicago in the nineteen-eighties, this page-turner follows Detectives Marcelle DeSantis and Bernie Bernardelli as they race to get to the bottom of a string of drug-related murders, which they believe were perpetrated by two warring cartels. To their surprise, they learn that Robert Thornton, a man with a shady past as a mercenary in Southeast Asia, is muscling his way into the city’s drug trade, and he intends to kill whoever stands in his way. Assisting Marcelle and Bernie in their hunt for Thornton is John Shepard, Special Agent of the Internal Revenue Service, Narcotics-Related Financial Crimes unit.
Though Marcelle and Bernie suspect John hasn’t told them the entire truth about Thornton’s past, together they scramble to find and stop the man before more dead bodies appear. Unbeknownst to the detectives, another person holds a longstanding grudge against Thornton and also wants him dead. While trying to capture Thornton, Marcelle and Bernie risk their lives and get caught in the crosshairs.
The novel moves deftly from the sassy Marcelle, her partner (Bernie), the socially awkward John Shepard, “Professor” Thornton, and members of Chicago drug gangs in a breathtaking plot that left me compulsively turning pages. The prose is skillful and self-assured, and the dialogue and characters are realistic, well-drawn, and convincing. Marcelle’s feisty spirit contrasts beautifully with Bernie’s steady personality, and I enjoyed the brainstorming and interplay between the two, including the “learning moments” that Bernie shares with his younger partner.
A fascinating subplot involves Bernie’s attempt to befriend John Shepard and teach him basic social skills in advance of a date.
Fans of Barry Eisler, Stephen Hunter, and David Baldacci will enjoy Rabin’s fast-paced plot. Kudos to Mr. Rabin on the high quality of the prose, the thrilling plot with a twist and surprise ending, and the extensive research that went into this novel. I highly recommend it!
July 29, 2022
David Rabin’s new book was a delight to read: hooked-me early, authentically rich characters with a good plot and flow, easy to read and keep reading till the dreaded end. David’s style is unique, not an impersonation of anyone, but of his own making. However in an effort to convey to potential readers what this book is like, let me tell you some of my favorite authors are John Grisham, Tom Clancy, and John le Carre and David’s book is on par with the works of these authors.
July 23, 2022
Was so excited to receive a copy of this debut thriller by local author David Rabin. I really enjoyed the fast pace, witty dialogue and outstanding character development. The incredible amount of research did not go unnoticed. Cannot wait to see where he takes us next. Elyse K
July 23, 2022
Enthralling story based in military and criminal subjects. Couldn't put it down!
July 21, 2022
What a great "out of the gate" novel! From the opening flashback to the silos to the mansion in the country, David Rabin kept the pace and the twists and turns coming at you. Quite literally didn't want to put it down. Perhaps we'll see Marcelle, Bernie and John again?
July 1, 2022
Detectives William Bernardelli (Bernie) and Marcelle DeSantis of the Chicago Police Department form a dynamic and engaging team in this fast-paced police procedural set in the late 1980s. This well-written and researched novel ties together a clandestine special ops force from the 1960s in Vietnam and a powerful mercenary who is trying to take over the illegal drug trade in Chicago. David Rabin has expertly created multi-dimensional characters and non-stop action to ensure the reader will not be able to put down the book. This is a fabulous debut novel from an author who is destined to make his mark on crime fiction writing.
July 13, 2022
Debut author David Rabin has crafted an intricate thriller, blending a military techno-thriller with a hard-boiled police procedural. Rabin portrays special forces operations, police investigations, and international assassins with authenticity. His realistic depictions of Chicago drug wars and his accurate technical descriptions of weapons reveal the author's knowledge and experience. Quirky characters and a twisty plot drive this fast-paced thriller. It’s "First Blood" meets "The Usual Suspects." If you enjoyed "The French Connection" and the Jack Reacher series, you’ll love "In Danger of Judgment."
July 5, 2023
This wasn't a bad first effort, though it did suffer from quite a few clichés, especially at the end - although far fewer clichés than I'd manage if I ever worked up the will and courage to write a book. The characters are interesting, especially John Shepherd, and there are some interesting takes on personality psychology. Rabin's weapons knowledge is very strong and factors importantly into lending the story a certain technical credibility. All in all, I'd definitely read another book by this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2022
Wow! What a debut novel! Kept me on the edge of my seat and up late a night. Lost a bit of sleep but that's OK. Character development was well done and not overly complex but good enough to keep me engaged. Action flowed across the timeline with recalls to history only necessary to develop current story line. Suspenseful but kept on surprising! A twist at the end left me saying I want more. Can't wait for book 2!
I received a free copy of the book.
I received a free copy of the book.
July 12, 2022
Rabin explodes out of the gate with his debut thriller, as well-executed as the best in Ludlum's Bourne series. You'll be riveted from the very first chapter. I read a pre-publication draft of this novel, and my enthusiasm was rewarded by no less than the prestigious Kirkus Reviews. While I've warned you as to the gripping, can't-put-it-down quality of the first chapter, let Kirkus bring it home to the final chapter: "(a) sensational final act, brimming with well-earned suspense."
July 16, 2022
A smartly-written thriller with complex characters and carefully crafted suspense from beginning to end.
May 25, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and thought it was outstanding. The characters were incredibly interesting and well developed. The story line was captivating and full of surprises. This was a hard book to put down and when I finished it I wished there was another Rabin book to read, but this is apparently his first. I understand he is working on a second and I'm eager to get that one.
May 30, 2022
Character-driven but with great dialog and a sense of place. I want more.
July 30, 2022
Really good crime thriller with lots of entertaining Chicago references
September 3, 2022
As a new voice in the thriller genre, author David Rabin delivers a debut stand-out with In Danger of Judgment. Set in 1987, the book centers around two police detectives in Chicago who encounter a new kind of criminal in the heroin trade.
Drawing upon a set of events occurring 15 years prior in Vietnam, the author lays the groundwork for the past to collide with the present. While detectives Marcelle DeSantis and Bernie Bernardelli are trying to untangle a series of gang deaths, they are assigned to work with the feds on the possibility that a cartel from Southeast Asia is planning to take over the heroin trade in Chicago.
What ensues is an intriguing game of cat and mouse. Not only is the cartel’s security head an American, but he has ties to the events in Vietnam. Meanwhile, there is someone else lurking in the shadows, ready to exact revenge from the past. This adds a high level of intrigue to the story.
With well-developed characters and memorable dialog, the storyline moves at a fast pace. Since the chapters are organized by date and time, the author provides an excellent framework for the drama to play out. In fact, this is one of those stories difficult to put down until the end.
In Danger of Judgment provides plenty of action, making this a rousing success for David Rabin. I predict there will be more titles to follow. ~ Amy, NovelsAlive.com
Drawing upon a set of events occurring 15 years prior in Vietnam, the author lays the groundwork for the past to collide with the present. While detectives Marcelle DeSantis and Bernie Bernardelli are trying to untangle a series of gang deaths, they are assigned to work with the feds on the possibility that a cartel from Southeast Asia is planning to take over the heroin trade in Chicago.
What ensues is an intriguing game of cat and mouse. Not only is the cartel’s security head an American, but he has ties to the events in Vietnam. Meanwhile, there is someone else lurking in the shadows, ready to exact revenge from the past. This adds a high level of intrigue to the story.
With well-developed characters and memorable dialog, the storyline moves at a fast pace. Since the chapters are organized by date and time, the author provides an excellent framework for the drama to play out. In fact, this is one of those stories difficult to put down until the end.
In Danger of Judgment provides plenty of action, making this a rousing success for David Rabin. I predict there will be more titles to follow. ~ Amy, NovelsAlive.com
August 18, 2022
This is thriller. Set in 1987, the thug life in Chicago kept Detectives William “Bernie” Bernardelli and Marcelle DeSantis up to their elbows in blood and guts. That life was about to get disrupted. The heroin market, cornered by two rival Mexican cartels, is being violently squeezed by the newest game in town, the Asian powered Quon. And what makes Quon powerful is an American-born mercenary turned enforcer named Robert Thornton, aka The Professor.
Bottom line: IN DANGER OF JUDGEMENT is for you if you like domestic intrigue, military operations, and stories where the definition of justice is fluid. Listen to an opening chapter here and everywhere you get your podcasts.
Let’s compare IN DANGER OF JUDGEMENT to the “perfect thriller”
Strengths of the story. The storyline, when you look from back to front, is simple. It certainly doesn’t look that way front to back, which is what kept my mind engaged, trying to unravel the story as fast as Bernie and Marcelle. But the simpleness of the underlying story is its power and why it stands up so well. Frequently when I get to the end of a thriller, I look back and all kinds of “that doesn’t make sense” and “why would he do that.” That did not happen here at all.
The story is rooted in the Vietnam War. The prologue does what it should do, setting the stage without revealing too much of what is to come. Fight scenes display a strong sense of military tactical engagement performed at a high level. (I leave it to others to validate the reality as that is not my area of expertise. I’ll just say it worked for me.)
The characters—good, bad, and ugly—are well crafted. With the possible exception of Thornton, we get glimpses of both the human side and the darker side. A large part of the appeal of this book is knowing that one of the characters are much more than they represent, but not knowing which.
The story is cleanly written with no typos or other distractions.
Where the story fell short of ideal: There were not many places this one fell short. The storyline with Quon moving into Chicago is not fully resolved at the time the book ends, but the book is not the lesser for it.
Hear the opening chapter on https://tgwolffcom.wordpress.com/podc...
Bottom line: IN DANGER OF JUDGEMENT is for you if you like domestic intrigue, military operations, and stories where the definition of justice is fluid. Listen to an opening chapter here and everywhere you get your podcasts.
Let’s compare IN DANGER OF JUDGEMENT to the “perfect thriller”
Strengths of the story. The storyline, when you look from back to front, is simple. It certainly doesn’t look that way front to back, which is what kept my mind engaged, trying to unravel the story as fast as Bernie and Marcelle. But the simpleness of the underlying story is its power and why it stands up so well. Frequently when I get to the end of a thriller, I look back and all kinds of “that doesn’t make sense” and “why would he do that.” That did not happen here at all.
The story is rooted in the Vietnam War. The prologue does what it should do, setting the stage without revealing too much of what is to come. Fight scenes display a strong sense of military tactical engagement performed at a high level. (I leave it to others to validate the reality as that is not my area of expertise. I’ll just say it worked for me.)
The characters—good, bad, and ugly—are well crafted. With the possible exception of Thornton, we get glimpses of both the human side and the darker side. A large part of the appeal of this book is knowing that one of the characters are much more than they represent, but not knowing which.
The story is cleanly written with no typos or other distractions.
Where the story fell short of ideal: There were not many places this one fell short. The storyline with Quon moving into Chicago is not fully resolved at the time the book ends, but the book is not the lesser for it.
Hear the opening chapter on https://tgwolffcom.wordpress.com/podc...
August 16, 2024
waiting for more !!!
You had my attention from page 1 and it kept me in suspense until the very end. You’re an amazing storyteller with great protagonists, but in the end evil fails to the nth degree. So when can we expect the next chapter??
You had my attention from page 1 and it kept me in suspense until the very end. You’re an amazing storyteller with great protagonists, but in the end evil fails to the nth degree. So when can we expect the next chapter??
August 17, 2022
While the first half of the novel seemed a bit slow to me, the second half took off and captured me. The plot is an interesting exploration of the potential ramifications of military training and drug dealing during the Vietnam war. Some of the American soldiers continued those practices after the war, honing their skills to deadly perfection.
Rabin has provided a good balance of personal life and suspenseful action. I liked John, the character on the spectrum. I appreciated the information about his psychological condition and how it made him perfect for certain deeds.
This is a good novel for readers who would like an engaging story centering around the activities rumored to have taken place during the Vietnam war. You'll encounter drug lord rivals, more assassinations than can be counted, a couple of tenacious detectives, and a suspenseful end with a good twist. This is the first novel I have read by Rabin. He is a clever writer and I will be looking for more from him.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Rabin has provided a good balance of personal life and suspenseful action. I liked John, the character on the spectrum. I appreciated the information about his psychological condition and how it made him perfect for certain deeds.
This is a good novel for readers who would like an engaging story centering around the activities rumored to have taken place during the Vietnam war. You'll encounter drug lord rivals, more assassinations than can be counted, a couple of tenacious detectives, and a suspenseful end with a good twist. This is the first novel I have read by Rabin. He is a clever writer and I will be looking for more from him.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 18, 2024
very enjoyable
Started this book slowly…only reading 20/30 pages a time…then I gave it longer….and then couldn’t wait to get back to it..
John…great characters….do we get more of him ?
Started this book slowly…only reading 20/30 pages a time…then I gave it longer….and then couldn’t wait to get back to it..
John…great characters….do we get more of him ?
April 16, 2024
Great book well written
August 5, 2024
Great story!
Fast paced. Good storyline, obviously written by someone who knows Chicago and Diamond Lake.
Looking forward to Mr. Rabin's next novel!
Fast paced. Good storyline, obviously written by someone who knows Chicago and Diamond Lake.
Looking forward to Mr. Rabin's next novel!
April 26, 2024
I believe this is David Rabin’s first book, if so, it’s absolutely excellent! Looking forward to the follow up book 👍🏻
July 8, 2022
Gang rivalries and drug wars are rife as the Chicago Police seek to crack down on crime in the area. After a series of suspicious murders occur, seasoned detective Bernie Bernardelli is paired with socially awkward yet highly intelligent accountant John Shepard to get the job done. Alongside the strong-minded Marcelle DeSantis and superior officer Commander Mike Kozinski, Bernie and John seek to unravel the truth behind these murders, which seem to be more than the result of common gang violence. Former military instructor Thornton lies at the heart of the case, as whispers of professional assassinations and past betrayal suggest these crimes run far deeper than the Chicago Police ever anticipated.
David Rabin’s In Danger of Judgment is a turbulent, exciting and, occasionally, violent thriller which delves into various flavors of society. Questions are raised surrounding the acceptability of murder in the military and civilian sphere, and whether one is morally permissible. The novel contains a host of dynamic characters with varying depth. I enjoyed following our main characters on this intriguing murder mystery, but other characters have interesting qualities as well. Marcelle is a female police officer with model-level attractiveness, who breezily combats sexism in the force by punching men in the face. Diagnosed with generalized anxiety, John Shepard displays constant tics and an aversion to eye contact which alludes to some type of disorder. John’s social cluelessness is sometimes played for comedic effect; while competent in action his personality is rigid as he takes a black-and-white approach to life.
Characters aside, this is a riveting police procedural. The author does a great job of showing the relationships and camaraderie between members of the force and I would have loved to have seen more of that throughout the story. The plot is gripping, with an intriguing mystery at its core, which makes this a novel that is perfect for fans of crime fiction.
In Danger of Judgment is an intelligent and edgy crime thriller. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slow-burning mystery which builds to an action-filled final sequence.
David Rabin’s In Danger of Judgment is a turbulent, exciting and, occasionally, violent thriller which delves into various flavors of society. Questions are raised surrounding the acceptability of murder in the military and civilian sphere, and whether one is morally permissible. The novel contains a host of dynamic characters with varying depth. I enjoyed following our main characters on this intriguing murder mystery, but other characters have interesting qualities as well. Marcelle is a female police officer with model-level attractiveness, who breezily combats sexism in the force by punching men in the face. Diagnosed with generalized anxiety, John Shepard displays constant tics and an aversion to eye contact which alludes to some type of disorder. John’s social cluelessness is sometimes played for comedic effect; while competent in action his personality is rigid as he takes a black-and-white approach to life.
Characters aside, this is a riveting police procedural. The author does a great job of showing the relationships and camaraderie between members of the force and I would have loved to have seen more of that throughout the story. The plot is gripping, with an intriguing mystery at its core, which makes this a novel that is perfect for fans of crime fiction.
In Danger of Judgment is an intelligent and edgy crime thriller. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a slow-burning mystery which builds to an action-filled final sequence.
July 13, 2022
Well, I thought I’d read or seen every story involving a drug war in Inner City, USA, between rival street gangs. That was until I read David Rabin’s debut novel, “In Danger of Judgment.” Mr. Rabin brings a fresh set of characters to the tried-and-true crime drama, and his breezy narrative style and crackling dialogue kept me turning the pages well past my bedtime.
If Mr. Rabin continues on this path, it won’t be long before readers mention his name in a discussion of the genre’s best suspense writers.
If Mr. Rabin continues on this path, it won’t be long before readers mention his name in a discussion of the genre’s best suspense writers.
October 13, 2022
I received a gratis preview copy of this book and enjoyed it, beginning to end. Debut author David Rabin has written a captivating novel full of unique, engaging characters and memorable action scenes. He enhances all that with realistic twists, enthralling descriptions of how weapons are used by professionals, and a terrific ending to create this bona fide thriller about revenge, payback and restraint. Can't wait to read his next one!
February 2, 2024
David Rabin is amazing and awesome debut book
It is hard to believe this is his first novel. Really really good,excellent storyline and character development. I enjoyed mixing the military with detectives and hoW they fed off of one another. Great book all the way around and can't wait for another book ,especially if its book 2 making a series. Loved all the characters. GREAT JOB DAVID!
It is hard to believe this is his first novel. Really really good,excellent storyline and character development. I enjoyed mixing the military with detectives and hoW they fed off of one another. Great book all the way around and can't wait for another book ,especially if its book 2 making a series. Loved all the characters. GREAT JOB DAVID!
November 12, 2022
This was a fun book to read. A lot of fast-paced action and a variety of interesting and complicated characters. The plot kept surprising me with its twists and turns, and the ending was definitely satisfying. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews