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Nate Shepherd #6
Lost Proof
Attorney Nate Shepherd is back, representing a thief accused of murder. Was it a burglary gone wrong? Or is his client caught in a larger plot? A riveting new legal thriller by Michael Stagg.
Nate Shepherd can’t tell if his client is lying.
The police say Nate’s client beat a young reporter to death during a break-in. They have the evidence to prove it, from the stolen goods right down to the bloody aluminum bat. A celebrated prosecutor takes over the case, aiming to convict Nate’s client of murdering the reporter while robbing his house.
But Nate’s client swears he didn’t kill the man so, helped by a new associate and old friends, Nate dives into the overwhelming evidence in search of a defense. And with each new lead, Nate’s suspicions grow that there might be more to this crime.
As evidence disappears and people vanish, Nate is forced into a high stakes trial to prove that his client is no killer. And with time running out, Nate discovers that far more than his client’s freedom could be at risk.
Lost Proof is the sixth book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, captivating characters, and riveting trials, you’ll love this fierce courtroom drama by Michael Stagg.
Since Michael Stagg broke onto the legal thriller scene, readers have been enthralled by his courtroom dramas, keeping his books on Amazon bestseller lists for months at a time. Known for authentic dialogue and compelling courtroom scenes, Michael Stagg breathes humor and realism into legal thrillers that are populated with characters that readers can’t wait to return to again and again.
Nate Shepherd can’t tell if his client is lying.
The police say Nate’s client beat a young reporter to death during a break-in. They have the evidence to prove it, from the stolen goods right down to the bloody aluminum bat. A celebrated prosecutor takes over the case, aiming to convict Nate’s client of murdering the reporter while robbing his house.
But Nate’s client swears he didn’t kill the man so, helped by a new associate and old friends, Nate dives into the overwhelming evidence in search of a defense. And with each new lead, Nate’s suspicions grow that there might be more to this crime.
As evidence disappears and people vanish, Nate is forced into a high stakes trial to prove that his client is no killer. And with time running out, Nate discovers that far more than his client’s freedom could be at risk.
Lost Proof is the sixth book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, captivating characters, and riveting trials, you’ll love this fierce courtroom drama by Michael Stagg.
Since Michael Stagg broke onto the legal thriller scene, readers have been enthralled by his courtroom dramas, keeping his books on Amazon bestseller lists for months at a time. Known for authentic dialogue and compelling courtroom scenes, Michael Stagg breathes humor and realism into legal thrillers that are populated with characters that readers can’t wait to return to again and again.
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2023
1188 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stagg
10 books319 followersMichael Stagg has been a trial lawyer for more than twenty-five years. He has tried cases to juries and he's won and he's lost and he's argued about it in the court of appeals after. He still practices law so he's writing the Nate Shepherd series under a pen name.
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
August 8, 2023
Another good book in this series!!
Another excellent read from this author! He never fails to present good court room drama but then he gives a surprise twist at the end! I just wish he could be successful in finding a lasting relationship for Nate!!
Another excellent read from this author! He never fails to present good court room drama but then he gives a surprise twist at the end! I just wish he could be successful in finding a lasting relationship for Nate!!
March 30, 2023
Astonishing insight
Nate Shepherd is unerringly honest, hard working, witty, and insightful. If only he was real. The legal part of the book is gripping, but the under currents keep the reader engaged. Nate's character and sarcastic wit make the novel entertaining. The insight into the the legal system is eye opening and sometimes frightening. It all adds up to an incredible read.
Nate Shepherd is unerringly honest, hard working, witty, and insightful. If only he was real. The legal part of the book is gripping, but the under currents keep the reader engaged. Nate's character and sarcastic wit make the novel entertaining. The insight into the the legal system is eye opening and sometimes frightening. It all adds up to an incredible read.
June 12, 2023
Good prose, good characterization, good world building, good story, no theme. 4.5 stars rounded down to 4.
The writing is salted with humor. Shep is sitting across from you at the local diner and he's telling you a story. He's a great guy with a great extended family, great coworkers, and great friends. That should have gotten tiresome, but it never did.
The characters have depth and each their own distinct persona and voice.
Stagg builds the local legal and social world of southern Michigan/Northern Ohio and he does it well.
A good story with twists and turns. The central mystery unresolved. I think it's going to figure in future books.
Kindle Unlimited
The writing is salted with humor. Shep is sitting across from you at the local diner and he's telling you a story. He's a great guy with a great extended family, great coworkers, and great friends. That should have gotten tiresome, but it never did.
The characters have depth and each their own distinct persona and voice.
Stagg builds the local legal and social world of southern Michigan/Northern Ohio and he does it well.
A good story with twists and turns. The central mystery unresolved. I think it's going to figure in future books.
Kindle Unlimited
February 5, 2024
Another installment in the Nate Shepherd series that I couldn't stop listening to. Narrated by the amazing George Newbern, the story was complex and the characters we likable. I'm not a defense attorney person, but somehow Stagg manages to draw me in every time and makes me think about the possibilities. Thoroughly enjoying this series and can't wait for the next installment.
June 26, 2025
4.5 stars. Excellent audiobook narrator.
March 27, 2023
Funky ending
Kept my interest from page one. The subtle ending was a bit hard to swallow, but Stagg's endings are seldom quite what you expected?
Kept my interest from page one. The subtle ending was a bit hard to swallow, but Stagg's endings are seldom quite what you expected?
May 1, 2025
I stand corrected, I thought book 4 ( False Oath) was my least favourite in the series, but this one is.
It was somewhat loosely tied up together at the end, And I get bored with big corp. themes
But, reading on, I love the series
It was somewhat loosely tied up together at the end, And I get bored with big corp. themes
But, reading on, I love the series
August 2, 2024
Eeks, this one wasn't great for me. I love the previous ones - some more than others - but this was my least favorite of all 6 of the Nate Shepherd books I've read so far.
I think the main gripe, and I know this is a definite reality for defense attorneys, is that I completely was so utterly annoyed by how dumb the main defendant was. I think he was supposed to be 24 but he was like a repetitive 4 year old kid instead.
Idiot defendant: "I didn't do it"
Nate Shepherd: "Well, they think you did so we have to prove otherwise"
ID: "But I didn't do it!"
NS: "Yeah, well, it doesn't matter what you say"
ID: "But that doesn't make sense cuz I didn't do it!"
NS: *Kills defendant and hits the pub with his buddies*
Paraphrasing there, but that's how I hoped one of those conversations would have gone down, but it didn't. And there have to be 5-6 of that exact (or similar) conversation (minus him killing his client) in this book.
Another gripe: I SO don't care about Nate's family and love life. I know, I know...gotta show how good a guy he is and all and it can't ALL be courtroom fun. But I liked the first few books when it WAS all courtroom fun. That's WHY I read courtroom fun books. Not for cheesy romance or how to BBQ with your family. Not to mention this part's getting a bit formulaic cuz every book so far has had a few mundane and repetitive chapters about Nate hanging with his family. I think there was one book (the one with the ash borer bugs) where his family actually mattered, but no others.
Another gripe (yes, I know they're stacking up...sorry, not sorry): I DO NOT care one iota about Danny's lame boring real estate side of Nate's shop that actually seems to pay the bills. I hope this ties in with something dirty or fishy in books 7 or 8, but I doubt it. Way too much time spent on him and whatever he was doing in this book.
The good news? Nate is a great guy and a great character that you actually care about. He cares about his clients (when, obviously, I'd suck because they'd be dead once they annoy me). And one of my absolute favorite things about him (and, of course, Michael Stagg's method of writing) is that Nate constantly breaks the 4th wall and it's like he's actually sitting in a bar with you, telling you this story. Love that aspect most, of all these books.
I'm hoping the 7th one picks up a bit after this one.
I think the main gripe, and I know this is a definite reality for defense attorneys, is that I completely was so utterly annoyed by how dumb the main defendant was. I think he was supposed to be 24 but he was like a repetitive 4 year old kid instead.
Idiot defendant: "I didn't do it"
Nate Shepherd: "Well, they think you did so we have to prove otherwise"
ID: "But I didn't do it!"
NS: "Yeah, well, it doesn't matter what you say"
ID: "But that doesn't make sense cuz I didn't do it!"
NS: *Kills defendant and hits the pub with his buddies*
Paraphrasing there, but that's how I hoped one of those conversations would have gone down, but it didn't. And there have to be 5-6 of that exact (or similar) conversation (minus him killing his client) in this book.
Another gripe: I SO don't care about Nate's family and love life. I know, I know...gotta show how good a guy he is and all and it can't ALL be courtroom fun. But I liked the first few books when it WAS all courtroom fun. That's WHY I read courtroom fun books. Not for cheesy romance or how to BBQ with your family. Not to mention this part's getting a bit formulaic cuz every book so far has had a few mundane and repetitive chapters about Nate hanging with his family. I think there was one book (the one with the ash borer bugs) where his family actually mattered, but no others.
Another gripe (yes, I know they're stacking up...sorry, not sorry): I DO NOT care one iota about Danny's lame boring real estate side of Nate's shop that actually seems to pay the bills. I hope this ties in with something dirty or fishy in books 7 or 8, but I doubt it. Way too much time spent on him and whatever he was doing in this book.
The good news? Nate is a great guy and a great character that you actually care about. He cares about his clients (when, obviously, I'd suck because they'd be dead once they annoy me). And one of my absolute favorite things about him (and, of course, Michael Stagg's method of writing) is that Nate constantly breaks the 4th wall and it's like he's actually sitting in a bar with you, telling you this story. Love that aspect most, of all these books.
I'm hoping the 7th one picks up a bit after this one.
June 12, 2025
a lot of loose ends but still a good book, recommend
This book feels like a cliffhanger. There’s so many unanswered things going on in this book. A lot of questions needing answers. Author, please stop✋with the romance chapters. Nate can be in a relationship but you don’t have to dedicate so many chapters to the story, bc it takes away from the storyline. You unalived Sarah and now trying to create a new relationship. I’m not a romantic, and don’t like romance novels. I chose this genre bc I love legal thrillers. I love complex cases, suspense and twists, courtroom drama, protagonists in the legal field and high stakes. So author, stick with the narrative. Mr. Marsh testifying about his son was heartbreaking💔. You could feel the hurt and pain. This was a high point in this storyline bc I can imagine this’s every parent worst nightmare. I was so skeptical about Logan verdict. I wanted him to be found not guilty. I didn’t feel like he had the heart to kill somebody. It just didn’t seem like it was in him. He was a gentle soul, very obedient, maybe a little mentally challenged. Poor Danny can’t catch a break getting his practice off the ground. Emily is a welcoming addition to the 2 man firm.
This book feels like a cliffhanger. There’s so many unanswered things going on in this book. A lot of questions needing answers. Author, please stop✋with the romance chapters. Nate can be in a relationship but you don’t have to dedicate so many chapters to the story, bc it takes away from the storyline. You unalived Sarah and now trying to create a new relationship. I’m not a romantic, and don’t like romance novels. I chose this genre bc I love legal thrillers. I love complex cases, suspense and twists, courtroom drama, protagonists in the legal field and high stakes. So author, stick with the narrative. Mr. Marsh testifying about his son was heartbreaking💔. You could feel the hurt and pain. This was a high point in this storyline bc I can imagine this’s every parent worst nightmare. I was so skeptical about Logan verdict. I wanted him to be found not guilty. I didn’t feel like he had the heart to kill somebody. It just didn’t seem like it was in him. He was a gentle soul, very obedient, maybe a little mentally challenged. Poor Danny can’t catch a break getting his practice off the ground. Emily is a welcoming addition to the 2 man firm.
May 27, 2024
Michael Stagg continues to entertain with the Nate Shepherd legal thriller series in Lost Proof. Strong character development and dialog provide insight into the world of crime and the trials that follow the arrest of a suspect. Shepherd’s family and personal life provide relief from the court proceedings and add depth to the stories.
In Lost Proof, Shepherd defends a client accused of killing a man with a bat found in the suspect’s trunk along with some stolen goods. Evidence shows there may be more at play than Shepherd initially thought, leading him to unravel a hidden family history. Conspiracy and commerce may be at the heart of this murder, along with a new love interest for Shepherd.
This series keeps me reading to see how Nate and his supporting cast of associates Danny and Emily, Olivia the investigator, and Caleb the bondsman will ferret out the truth, or at least create doubt about his client’s guilt.
In Lost Proof, Shepherd defends a client accused of killing a man with a bat found in the suspect’s trunk along with some stolen goods. Evidence shows there may be more at play than Shepherd initially thought, leading him to unravel a hidden family history. Conspiracy and commerce may be at the heart of this murder, along with a new love interest for Shepherd.
This series keeps me reading to see how Nate and his supporting cast of associates Danny and Emily, Olivia the investigator, and Caleb the bondsman will ferret out the truth, or at least create doubt about his client’s guilt.
March 26, 2023
I love Michael Stagg's Nate Shepherd series. Like the best crime/legal storytellers, he creates a world it would be nice to live in (not if you're the perp, or the accused, of course). It's more fun hanging out with Nate's family and friends than it is with characters in a lot of novels, movies, or tv shows.
That's my favorite part of reading any series, coming back to a set of characters over the course of years. I love reading Bosch, JP Beaumont, Carter Ross, Gabriel Allon, Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis, etc., as much for the involvement in their lives as for the mysteries they solve. I've been reading these novelists (Michael Connolly, JA Jance, Brad Parks, Daniel Silva, Jonathan Kellerman) since sometime in the 1980s. Welcome to the club, Michael Stagg.
That's my favorite part of reading any series, coming back to a set of characters over the course of years. I love reading Bosch, JP Beaumont, Carter Ross, Gabriel Allon, Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis, etc., as much for the involvement in their lives as for the mysteries they solve. I've been reading these novelists (Michael Connolly, JA Jance, Brad Parks, Daniel Silva, Jonathan Kellerman) since sometime in the 1980s. Welcome to the club, Michael Stagg.
November 22, 2023
Lost Proof is the sixth book in the Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series.
The police say Nate’s client beat a young reporter to death during a break-in. They have the evidence to prove it, from the stolen goods right down to the bloody aluminum bat. A celebrated prosecutor takes over the case, aiming to convict Nate’s client of murdering the reporter while robbing his house.
But Nate’s client swears he didn’t kill the man so, helped by a new associate and old friends, Nate dives into the overwhelming evidence in search of a defense. And with each new lead, Nate’s suspicions grow that there might be more to this crime.
Probably the best one in the serie since the first installment and gripping call backs from previous books.
Solid 5*!
The police say Nate’s client beat a young reporter to death during a break-in. They have the evidence to prove it, from the stolen goods right down to the bloody aluminum bat. A celebrated prosecutor takes over the case, aiming to convict Nate’s client of murdering the reporter while robbing his house.
But Nate’s client swears he didn’t kill the man so, helped by a new associate and old friends, Nate dives into the overwhelming evidence in search of a defense. And with each new lead, Nate’s suspicions grow that there might be more to this crime.
Probably the best one in the serie since the first installment and gripping call backs from previous books.
Solid 5*!
September 9, 2023
Michael does it again!
This is the sixth book in the series and he has yet to let me down. The way he writes is great, in my opinion. The story flows, he uses current events/electronics in the story that could very well be used in a court setting. How many other authors know about Discord and can work it into a plot? He can bring in events and not make it political or show which way the author leans on a subject which I feel is so hard to find nowadays. And there are always some sports references and jokes that lighten the mood when there is a murder trial ongoing.
One of my favorite legal series out in the market and I am always looking forward to his next book every year.
This is the sixth book in the series and he has yet to let me down. The way he writes is great, in my opinion. The story flows, he uses current events/electronics in the story that could very well be used in a court setting. How many other authors know about Discord and can work it into a plot? He can bring in events and not make it political or show which way the author leans on a subject which I feel is so hard to find nowadays. And there are always some sports references and jokes that lighten the mood when there is a murder trial ongoing.
One of my favorite legal series out in the market and I am always looking forward to his next book every year.
April 4, 2023
I love the Nate Shepherd series and Nate is one of my favourite lawyers in all the legal thrillers I’ve read but unfortunately, the ending let this book down in my opinion. I was gripped all the way though but the ending felt rushed and confusing and felt like a real anti climax. This won’t put me off reading the next in the series but I was slightly disappointed with this one compared to the rest so far.
March 28, 2023
Familiar community, families, and congeniality
I like Nate's extended family, traditions, and canine. I like Nate's growing law practice with open and honest colleagues. I like the intrigue of local and national issues/ crimes. In this story, an investigative journalist with a bright future suddenly pays for truth with his life. Sad story.
I like Nate's extended family, traditions, and canine. I like Nate's growing law practice with open and honest colleagues. I like the intrigue of local and national issues/ crimes. In this story, an investigative journalist with a bright future suddenly pays for truth with his life. Sad story.
May 5, 2023
Another wonderful story!
I loved this book, just as I’ve loved every Nate Shepherd book before it. Good writing, interesting plot, great characters, complex, interesting and often fun. This is just good writing that entertains while addressing real life issues and the laws that often hinder progress, and those who stand up for right. Thoroughly enjoyable reading.
I loved this book, just as I’ve loved every Nate Shepherd book before it. Good writing, interesting plot, great characters, complex, interesting and often fun. This is just good writing that entertains while addressing real life issues and the laws that often hinder progress, and those who stand up for right. Thoroughly enjoyable reading.
May 15, 2023
With an obvious crime and an innocent suspect, it was still amazingly interesting
This started was an obvious crime story but it became a book that I could not put down. A well crafted story and well-written make this a book that all mystery story readers should include in their library.
This started was an obvious crime story but it became a book that I could not put down. A well crafted story and well-written make this a book that all mystery story readers should include in their library.
March 3, 2024
I like this series. My Audible escape-while-driving-books for the past few months. Today, the author had a character say that the Audible version of Seabiscuit was really good and the narrarator was really great. First, I thought, "I need to listen to it", then I checked who narrated it...yup, the same guy narrating this book. Fun.
January 16, 2025
This was not my favorite in the series but still a good one! I like the new addition..she seems like a real go-getter. Perfect for what Nate needs. I still love listening to these as they are completely entertaining. George Newbern is rocking this series! In here he is very good and perfect choice for the series .
April 27, 2025
Another good story (ignore the “midwest” lingo). I wish this would be made into a tv show, it would be refreshing for a “regular folks” setting, vs. CA or NYC. If the Shepherd family is based on a real family, they are a lucky bunch. I love Nate’s sense of humor, along with his intelligence. I am hooked on the series.
May 25, 2025
I was envious of that Bonhomme carnival festival at the end of the novel that Nate was able to crash for that interview but I too would be hard-pressed to afford that hefty entrance donation. I sensed from his encounter there that that family enterprise had many nefarious and illegal activities and perhaps even responsible for that murder that went unresolved?
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July 28, 2025Great story development!
The storyline was very realistic. It was not an easy case to try, and I kept picturing myself on the jury. It was nice to like the prosecutor for a change. Couldn't stand the one in the last book!
Love all the supporting characters. They have become "old friends".
The storyline was very realistic. It was not an easy case to try, and I kept picturing myself on the jury. It was nice to like the prosecutor for a change. Couldn't stand the one in the last book!
Love all the supporting characters. They have become "old friends".
November 9, 2025
another excellent read
I really love this author and the characters in the series. Always funny and court scenes are true to form. However, I’m not a fan of his endings. I think every ending was weird. I hope Danny gets more involved with Nat cases again. Still, I give this book 5 stars.
I really love this author and the characters in the series. Always funny and court scenes are true to form. However, I’m not a fan of his endings. I think every ending was weird. I hope Danny gets more involved with Nat cases again. Still, I give this book 5 stars.
March 31, 2023
excellent
And a great plot. Twists and turns were not the usual. And no character was hopelessly flawed, died unnecessarily, or any of the other negative depressing plot twists that r everywhere.
And a great plot. Twists and turns were not the usual. And no character was hopelessly flawed, died unnecessarily, or any of the other negative depressing plot twists that r everywhere.
April 9, 2023
love this series
I’ve read all six and each time I am surprised at the end, which I really like. I also like how it kind of speaks to the audience. If you don’t understand what I mean by that you’ll have to read the books.
I’ve read all six and each time I am surprised at the end, which I really like. I also like how it kind of speaks to the audience. If you don’t understand what I mean by that you’ll have to read the books.
April 15, 2023
A great story line and superb ending. Never would have guessed. Nate's family, friends and support team, each plays a role. Enjoy the courtroom drama and writing that comes with it. Extremely conversive. Will wait on last book 'Loss Judgement'. Thank you.
May 17, 2023
Great Read!
I like this character and all the folks that help him out…but this last family…makes me wonder. He is only safe while his dad is alive? What?!? Hurry, write more…need to know what that means! Please!!!
I like this character and all the folks that help him out…but this last family…makes me wonder. He is only safe while his dad is alive? What?!? Hurry, write more…need to know what that means! Please!!!
May 28, 2023
Great characters and quality plot with many twists and turns!
I love the writing and the ease the reader has in slipping into the story. I couldn't put it down and was very sorry when the book ended. I wanted more chapters.🤗
I love the writing and the ease the reader has in slipping into the story. I couldn't put it down and was very sorry when the book ended. I wanted more chapters.🤗
June 23, 2023
It keeps you hanging on
A terrific story. Great characters and a great plot. But why didn't he reveal why Josie really broke up with him and what the LeCo mes had to do with the Carver case. I can guess but I wish he had spelled it out.
A terrific story. Great characters and a great plot. But why didn't he reveal why Josie really broke up with him and what the LeCo mes had to do with the Carver case. I can guess but I wish he had spelled it out.
July 7, 2023
These just keep getting better!
These books are addicting. Nate is a very skilled attorney. This book had a few twists and turns after the verdict though. You just don’t see it coming!
These books are addicting. Nate is a very skilled attorney. This book had a few twists and turns after the verdict though. You just don’t see it coming!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews