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Love Betrayal Murder
Love: Matthew Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are a perfect match, both attorneys at a powerful New York City law firm. But there's a small hitch: Matt just made partner, and Vanessa is coming up for partner next year. Two hitches, actually, because Vanessa is married.
Betrayal: Vanessa is assigned to the biggest case at the firm, the one that will determine her own partnership chances. Unfortunately, Matt has been working on the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policies. After the case is over, Vanessa's ascendance is assured. But when Vanessa is denied her partnership, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Murder: in broad daylight, on a crowded Manhattan street corner. But with so many having been betrayed, will the true murderer be brought to justice? A gripping criminal trial will leave readers unsure of who, if anyone, is telling the truth. All culminating in the shocking final reveal.
Betrayal: Vanessa is assigned to the biggest case at the firm, the one that will determine her own partnership chances. Unfortunately, Matt has been working on the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policies. After the case is over, Vanessa's ascendance is assured. But when Vanessa is denied her partnership, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Murder: in broad daylight, on a crowded Manhattan street corner. But with so many having been betrayed, will the true murderer be brought to justice? A gripping criminal trial will leave readers unsure of who, if anyone, is telling the truth. All culminating in the shocking final reveal.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published May 16, 2023
57 people are currently reading
4972 people want to read
About the author
Adam Mitzner
15 books531 followersI grew up in East Brunswick, New Jersey, which is about an hour outside of New York City. I graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. and M.A. in politics, and from there went directly on to law school at the University of Virginia.
After law school, I joined the litigation department of a large New York City law firm, and after a few more stops, am currently the head of the litigation department of Pavia & Harcourt LLP, which is located in midtown Manhattan. Pavia & Harcourt.
I have written 8 novels -- A Conflict of Interest (2011); A Case of Redemption (2013); Losing Faith (2015); The Girl From Home (2016); Dead Certain (2017); Never Goodbye (2018); A Matter of Will (2019); and The Best Friend (2020).
Nothing pleases me more than hearing from readers, so please email me at adam@adammitzner.com
After law school, I joined the litigation department of a large New York City law firm, and after a few more stops, am currently the head of the litigation department of Pavia & Harcourt LLP, which is located in midtown Manhattan. Pavia & Harcourt.
I have written 8 novels -- A Conflict of Interest (2011); A Case of Redemption (2013); Losing Faith (2015); The Girl From Home (2016); Dead Certain (2017); Never Goodbye (2018); A Matter of Will (2019); and The Best Friend (2020).
Nothing pleases me more than hearing from readers, so please email me at adam@adammitzner.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 235 reviews
May 24, 2023
An easy five star for me! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"being in love is dangerous..................." Someone will lose everything.
This was such a suspenseful, twisty, and addictive legal suspense thriller! I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down (or turning it off)!
A forbidden and scandalous love affair, shocking testimony, and an ending that had me rereading some passages. When the verdict came in, it was like I was there in the courtroom, holding my breath as the judge read it! 😱
I opted for the audio version which was 7 hrs/56 min and featured three strong narrators. I was guessing throughout the book, questioning what was true, who was lying, who had the stronger motive.
Just who gets betrayed?!
One of my favorite reads so far this year!
Audio from Libby/ Available now
"being in love is dangerous..................." Someone will lose everything.
This was such a suspenseful, twisty, and addictive legal suspense thriller! I was hooked from the beginning and had a hard time putting it down (or turning it off)!
A forbidden and scandalous love affair, shocking testimony, and an ending that had me rereading some passages. When the verdict came in, it was like I was there in the courtroom, holding my breath as the judge read it! 😱
I opted for the audio version which was 7 hrs/56 min and featured three strong narrators. I was guessing throughout the book, questioning what was true, who was lying, who had the stronger motive.
Just who gets betrayed?!
One of my favorite reads so far this year!
Audio from Libby/ Available now
February 17, 2023
Truth? Lies? You be the judge….or the jury!⚖️
Looking for a legal thriller that’s equal parts in and out of the courtroom? This IS that book!
Matthew and Vanessa are in love. Should be nothing but rainbows, bunnies and clear sailing as they celebrate their love. But it’s not.
Not by a long-shot.
At the top of the list…one of them is already married. Second, they work court cases together with one reporting to the other. See what I mean? This isn’t going to end well.
Just like the title says… Love, Betrayal, Murder.
Adam Mitzner crafts a captivating legal thriller, taking you on a journey where truth is only in the eye of the beholder. My opinions on who I liked/disliked, trusted/distrusted, guilty or innocent, volleyed like a tennis match. (exactly how I like my thrillers)
I devoured this book in two sittings. Even going back to reread certain points thinking I may have missed some breadcrumbs along the way. (Since I didn't guess the ending correctly)
I would advise to skim, or totally skip the blurb as I did. As with most thrillers, the less you know going in the better your experience will be!
This is my third read by this highly talented author. And I definitely need to take time to read more of his previous works until he provides me with a new release - please hurry Adam!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing
Looking for a legal thriller that’s equal parts in and out of the courtroom? This IS that book!
Matthew and Vanessa are in love. Should be nothing but rainbows, bunnies and clear sailing as they celebrate their love. But it’s not.
Not by a long-shot.
At the top of the list…one of them is already married. Second, they work court cases together with one reporting to the other. See what I mean? This isn’t going to end well.
Just like the title says… Love, Betrayal, Murder.
Adam Mitzner crafts a captivating legal thriller, taking you on a journey where truth is only in the eye of the beholder. My opinions on who I liked/disliked, trusted/distrusted, guilty or innocent, volleyed like a tennis match. (exactly how I like my thrillers)
I devoured this book in two sittings. Even going back to reread certain points thinking I may have missed some breadcrumbs along the way. (Since I didn't guess the ending correctly)
I would advise to skim, or totally skip the blurb as I did. As with most thrillers, the less you know going in the better your experience will be!
This is my third read by this highly talented author. And I definitely need to take time to read more of his previous works until he provides me with a new release - please hurry Adam!
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing
June 20, 2023
4.5 stars
This was a fun gripping legal thriller. Matthew and Vanessa are attorneys in a top firm, and in a relationship. The problem? Vanessa is married and relationships among the staff at the firm are forbidden.
When their secret is revealed they both lie, and this is where it all goes sideways. Oh, what a web we weave....
There are lies, lies, and more lies.
Vanessa is a shoo-in for partner, but then comes the betrayal. To find out from who, you will need to read the book!'
But know there’s plenty of betrayals here, and not always from where you would expect.
As the title suggests, there is a murder, and what follows is a gripping courtroom drama. The author is a lawyer, and his knowledge and expertise is evident.
I love legal thrillers, and this is one of the better ones, with a twist I didn’t see coming. It was tightly plotted and moved along at a brisk pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the audio was narrated by a cast of three, always a plus.
This was a fun gripping legal thriller. Matthew and Vanessa are attorneys in a top firm, and in a relationship. The problem? Vanessa is married and relationships among the staff at the firm are forbidden.
When their secret is revealed they both lie, and this is where it all goes sideways. Oh, what a web we weave....
There are lies, lies, and more lies.
Vanessa is a shoo-in for partner, but then comes the betrayal. To find out from who, you will need to read the book!'
But know there’s plenty of betrayals here, and not always from where you would expect.
As the title suggests, there is a murder, and what follows is a gripping courtroom drama. The author is a lawyer, and his knowledge and expertise is evident.
I love legal thrillers, and this is one of the better ones, with a twist I didn’t see coming. It was tightly plotted and moved along at a brisk pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the audio was narrated by a cast of three, always a plus.
May 27, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Vanessa Lyons is assigned to the biggest case at Rawls, Ryan & Gold and it’s the one that will determine if she will be made a partner.
Unfortunately, Matthew Brooks has been working the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policy.
When Vanessa is denied her partnership, despite assurances to the contrary, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Was it?
They thought they were in love.
Who betrayed Whom?
This is a LEGAL thriller with not ONE, but TWO courtroom trials.
We have the Direct Examination of Vanessa Lyons, and the Cross-Examination of Matthew Brooks, along with the strategy sessions with their lawyers.
And, there is also a MURDER thrown in, to muddy the waters a bit further.
I DID enjoy this entertaining read but TWO things kept it from earning 5 stars-too much repetition and the fact that I didn’t buy into WHO was guilty of murder.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title.
AVAILABLE NOW!
Vanessa Lyons is assigned to the biggest case at Rawls, Ryan & Gold and it’s the one that will determine if she will be made a partner.
Unfortunately, Matthew Brooks has been working the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policy.
When Vanessa is denied her partnership, despite assurances to the contrary, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Was it?
They thought they were in love.
Who betrayed Whom?
This is a LEGAL thriller with not ONE, but TWO courtroom trials.
We have the Direct Examination of Vanessa Lyons, and the Cross-Examination of Matthew Brooks, along with the strategy sessions with their lawyers.
And, there is also a MURDER thrown in, to muddy the waters a bit further.
I DID enjoy this entertaining read but TWO things kept it from earning 5 stars-too much repetition and the fact that I didn’t buy into WHO was guilty of murder.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title.
AVAILABLE NOW!
May 15, 2023
Solid legal mystery, although it got a little tedious after a while.
Matthew Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are in love--the problem? She's married and he's technically her boss. Both attorneys at a high end firm, Matthew has just been made partner and Vanessa could be following shortly behind. The issue is that relationships between partners and associates are forbidden. And when they are found out--they both lie and claim that there is no relationship. Where things go from there are filled with more lies, secrets, courtroom drama--and eventually murder.
If you like a good legal thriller, then you've come to the right place. This is as detailed and engrossing as you can get. The author obviously knows the legal system well (he should, he's an attorney) and the authenticity kept me invested in the outcome of the trials.
However, there's a bunch of repetition here. We live the story between the characters in real time. Then we rehash it in various ways, then we go to trial and get it again. Then we have another trial with another revisit to what happened. It felt like overkill. There are some surprises along the way, but some of the narrative could have been tightened up to make the story flow better. Also, I did not have buy in for the ultimate resolution/perpetrator of the murder. It seemed totally from left field, maybe I missed something, but I didn't buy it.
Overall, this is a decent legal thriller, particularly if you like your legal thrillers to be realistic and believable (unlike the other author's The Perfect Marriage)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Matthew Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are in love--the problem? She's married and he's technically her boss. Both attorneys at a high end firm, Matthew has just been made partner and Vanessa could be following shortly behind. The issue is that relationships between partners and associates are forbidden. And when they are found out--they both lie and claim that there is no relationship. Where things go from there are filled with more lies, secrets, courtroom drama--and eventually murder.
If you like a good legal thriller, then you've come to the right place. This is as detailed and engrossing as you can get. The author obviously knows the legal system well (he should, he's an attorney) and the authenticity kept me invested in the outcome of the trials.
However, there's a bunch of repetition here. We live the story between the characters in real time. Then we rehash it in various ways, then we go to trial and get it again. Then we have another trial with another revisit to what happened. It felt like overkill. There are some surprises along the way, but some of the narrative could have been tightened up to make the story flow better. Also, I did not have buy in for the ultimate resolution/perpetrator of the murder. It seemed totally from left field, maybe I missed something, but I didn't buy it.
Overall, this is a decent legal thriller, particularly if you like your legal thrillers to be realistic and believable (unlike the other author's The Perfect Marriage)
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
May 21, 2023
I loved "Love Betrayal Murder".
Adam Mitzner's newest release checked all my boxes:
* Fast-moving compelling legal "Who Dunnit?"
domestic legal thriller
* Strong characterizations
* Written with authority by an attorney-author
* Unputdownable and unpredictable storyline
The book showcased two back-to-back legal battles:
* A "Me Too" trial involving a married female attorney not making partner due to an adulterous affair with a partner at her law firm.
* A murder trial of the married female attorney's lover accused of murdering her in broad daylight on a busy Manhattan street.
I applaud the author for innovatively including those two back-to-back trials, even though going this route created some repetition.
Although I almost always enjoy surprise endings, I had a difficult time embracing the book's "culminating jaw-dropping reveal". To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from explaining why.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Brian Hutchison, Bronson Pinchot, and Elizabeth Evans.
All narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Adam Mitzner's newest release checked all my boxes:
* Fast-moving compelling legal "Who Dunnit?"
domestic legal thriller
* Strong characterizations
* Written with authority by an attorney-author
* Unputdownable and unpredictable storyline
The book showcased two back-to-back legal battles:
* A "Me Too" trial involving a married female attorney not making partner due to an adulterous affair with a partner at her law firm.
* A murder trial of the married female attorney's lover accused of murdering her in broad daylight on a busy Manhattan street.
I applaud the author for innovatively including those two back-to-back trials, even though going this route created some repetition.
Although I almost always enjoy surprise endings, I had a difficult time embracing the book's "culminating jaw-dropping reveal". To avoid spoilers, I will refrain from explaining why.
I listened to the full-cast audiobook read by Brian Hutchison, Bronson Pinchot, and Elizabeth Evans.
All narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
4.5 stars rounded up.
May 23, 2023
the setup…
Matthew (Matt) Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are associates at one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City and are secretly having an affair (she’s married). He makes partner and later she’s put on partner track for the next year. Still okay, that is until she’s placed on one of his long term cases and that makes their affair a firm policy violation. To make matters worse, someone contacts the head partner and reveals their affair. Though they deny it, Vanessa is later passed over for partner and can only assume the affair is the reason since she’d been assured by those who would know that she was a lock. Now she and the firm are battling it out in the courtroom.
the heart of the story…
At the center are Matt and Vanessa and the forces that separate them, though the story is told mostly from their points of view. Until their affair was outed, both were happy with their career tracks and each other. She was in a marriage that wasn’t working and once I got to know Bradley, it was clear why. Most suspected it was Bradley that made the anonymous call to the firm, even though that blew up Vanessa’s chances for the major income bump they sorely needed. The sequence of events that landed them in court was tragic and heartbreaking, even more so because these two cared for each other. But it was the courtroom drama that I found mesmerizing, laced with truths, half truths and outright lies. It was difficult to imagine if anyone would win.
the narration…
Multiple narrators were used in this story, which I found essential during the trials as they made it even more riveting. They were all great storytellers, voiced their characters distinctively and delivered wonderful performances.
the bottom line…
I love legal thrillers, especially on audio, and this one more than met my expectations. The courtroom aspects were the most interesting, even though the moments outside of that venue were equally engaging because they laid the foundation for everything. Matt is fairly transparent, Vanessa not so much and that gave this story complexity. There’s quite the twist that I won’t go into but it spins things into a whole new direction. The truth isn’t revealed until the very end and it was nowhere near what I’d expected! The trial outcome was anyone’s guess, just the way a good legal drama should be. Highly recommend and definitely the audio version. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
Matthew (Matt) Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are associates at one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City and are secretly having an affair (she’s married). He makes partner and later she’s put on partner track for the next year. Still okay, that is until she’s placed on one of his long term cases and that makes their affair a firm policy violation. To make matters worse, someone contacts the head partner and reveals their affair. Though they deny it, Vanessa is later passed over for partner and can only assume the affair is the reason since she’d been assured by those who would know that she was a lock. Now she and the firm are battling it out in the courtroom.
the heart of the story…
At the center are Matt and Vanessa and the forces that separate them, though the story is told mostly from their points of view. Until their affair was outed, both were happy with their career tracks and each other. She was in a marriage that wasn’t working and once I got to know Bradley, it was clear why. Most suspected it was Bradley that made the anonymous call to the firm, even though that blew up Vanessa’s chances for the major income bump they sorely needed. The sequence of events that landed them in court was tragic and heartbreaking, even more so because these two cared for each other. But it was the courtroom drama that I found mesmerizing, laced with truths, half truths and outright lies. It was difficult to imagine if anyone would win.
the narration…
Multiple narrators were used in this story, which I found essential during the trials as they made it even more riveting. They were all great storytellers, voiced their characters distinctively and delivered wonderful performances.
the bottom line…
I love legal thrillers, especially on audio, and this one more than met my expectations. The courtroom aspects were the most interesting, even though the moments outside of that venue were equally engaging because they laid the foundation for everything. Matt is fairly transparent, Vanessa not so much and that gave this story complexity. There’s quite the twist that I won’t go into but it spins things into a whole new direction. The truth isn’t revealed until the very end and it was nowhere near what I’d expected! The trial outcome was anyone’s guess, just the way a good legal drama should be. Highly recommend and definitely the audio version. 4.5 stars
Posted on Blue Mood Café
(Thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.)
June 28, 2023
English / Español
Overall, it's a decent legal thriller albeit a very basic story.
The legal knowledge and the way in which the whole trial happens is impeccably accomplished.
It kept me hooked until the end, but there were parts that became repetitive, dull. It lacked depth and details that would give more consistency to the plot.
I found the characters not very complex, superficial.
And here come SPOILERS!
- In Bradley's cross examination the defense attorney, Erica, could have done investigative work and asked him about what really happened at his previous job. In this way, she manifested his type of temperament and minimized the fact that he currently works for the environment. Not of his own free will but out of necessity since it was his last option. This would have given more power to the interrogation and even make him annoyed.
- The ending was not credible and very little developed. It felt more like the author wanted to give that surprise, that unexpected turn but without giving many concrete or coherent explanations for the reason why Vanessa is murdered.
-----------
En general, es un legal thriller decente aunque una historia muy básica.
Los conocimientos legales y la forma en la que ocurre todo el juicio está impecablemente logrado.
Si bien me mantuvo enganchada hasta el final, hubo partes que se hacía repetitivo, denso. Le faltó profundidad y detalles que dieran más consistencia a la trama.
Los personajes me resultaron poco complejos, superficiales.
Y acá vienen ¡SPOILERS!
- En el cross examination de Bradley la abogada defensora, Erica, podría haber hecho trabajo de investigación y preguntarle sobre lo que realmente pasó en su anterior trabajo. De esta forma manifestaba el tipo de temperamento de él y minimizaba el hecho de que en el presente trabaje por el medio ambiente no por voluntad propia sino por necesidad ya que era su última opción. Esto le hubiera dado más fuerza a la interrogación e incluso hacerlo fastidiarse.
- El final no fue creíble y muy poco desarrollado. Lo sentí más como que el autor quiso dar esa sorpresa, ese giro inesperado pero sin dar muchas explicaciones concretas ni coherentes de la razón por la cual Vanessa es asesinada.
Overall, it's a decent legal thriller albeit a very basic story.
The legal knowledge and the way in which the whole trial happens is impeccably accomplished.
It kept me hooked until the end, but there were parts that became repetitive, dull. It lacked depth and details that would give more consistency to the plot.
I found the characters not very complex, superficial.
And here come SPOILERS!
- In Bradley's cross examination the defense attorney, Erica, could have done investigative work and asked him about what really happened at his previous job. In this way, she manifested his type of temperament and minimized the fact that he currently works for the environment. Not of his own free will but out of necessity since it was his last option. This would have given more power to the interrogation and even make him annoyed.
- The ending was not credible and very little developed. It felt more like the author wanted to give that surprise, that unexpected turn but without giving many concrete or coherent explanations for the reason why Vanessa is murdered.
-----------
En general, es un legal thriller decente aunque una historia muy básica.
Los conocimientos legales y la forma en la que ocurre todo el juicio está impecablemente logrado.
Si bien me mantuvo enganchada hasta el final, hubo partes que se hacía repetitivo, denso. Le faltó profundidad y detalles que dieran más consistencia a la trama.
Los personajes me resultaron poco complejos, superficiales.
Y acá vienen ¡SPOILERS!
- En el cross examination de Bradley la abogada defensora, Erica, podría haber hecho trabajo de investigación y preguntarle sobre lo que realmente pasó en su anterior trabajo. De esta forma manifestaba el tipo de temperamento de él y minimizaba el hecho de que en el presente trabaje por el medio ambiente no por voluntad propia sino por necesidad ya que era su última opción. Esto le hubiera dado más fuerza a la interrogación e incluso hacerlo fastidiarse.
- El final no fue creíble y muy poco desarrollado. Lo sentí más como que el autor quiso dar esa sorpresa, ese giro inesperado pero sin dar muchas explicaciones concretas ni coherentes de la razón por la cual Vanessa es asesinada.
June 16, 2023
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“My testimony is the truth,” I said, which was a lie.”
Boy oh boy, does the blurb of Love, Betrayal, Murder sum it up - but the writing really sells itself. Adam Mitzner's legal thriller - was not exactly thrilling, as much as it was curious. Because, what started off as one aspect of the story became something entirely else mid-way of the plot. And while it wasn't something I was expecting, the trajectory in which it happened intrigued me.
A forbidden love affair gone sour - a sting of betrayal unfortunate yet unavoidable - and a murder completely unexpected yet possibly planned right from the start - these are the delicious elements that summarize the heart of Adam Mitzner's latest legal thriller (till now, I had no idea what that meant - are John Grisham books defined like that, too?)
This was written with a clever sharp and smart sense with plenty of twists and lies and convoluted secrets that kept me turning the page, despite at times being overwhelmed with the intense attention to the court proceedings and legal battles. Which, I understand is to be expecting, but it did get to be a little too much at times. The slight reprieves we did have were when we were presented in alternative view points, certain glimpses into how the characters ended up the way that they did. What I found particularly interesting was how the shift in the opening courtroom drama dialogue, which I thought would be the major focus of the story suddenly shifted in another course - a new storyline unraveled that was completely unexpectedly shocking for me. 😲
What was particularly unique to me was the subtle reference to the #MeToo movement - anyone who is everyone is aware of this, so to see it play out in the story was interesting if not unexpecting. Followed by a chain of events that I really didn't see coming, it made me wonder what was the real premise of this story? Who was the real villain and who was the victim? Who was wrongfully accused and who came out as the winner?
“But you have to recognize that being in love is dangerous too, and if you’re not careful about
how deep you’re getting into it, you can lose everything.”
The characters were - it was clear to me, by Adam Mitzner's dedication that he would have a soft corner for Matthew as the main protagonist - and it showed - not in a bad way, but as one, we would either empathize and sympathize with - or find ourselves questioning his motives for everything he did - good or bad. I don't quite know how I feel about Vanessa and her husband - there wasn't much substance to their relationship and before it had a chance to develop further - it was abruptly cut off - leaving me to wonder what was the purpose of it all? The development of Vanessa and Matt's relationship was also engaging at first, but when there were certain instances where the scenes were repeated, in order for us to get it from each of their views, made for some rather redundant retelling. 😮💨
And yet, what I think what is so utterly charming about the title itself is the twist to it - you don't realize who exactly the title is referring to! Because the little twists and reveals, and surprisingly altered perceptions of characters made me question myself how much of what Matthew was saying was the honest truth or his secretive lies. So, despite my qualms with a few points and it kinda dragging towards the end, I enjoyed reading it. If I'm ever in the mood for another spin in the legal affairs, I'll definitely remember Adam Mitzner's name. 🫡
“My testimony is the truth,” I said, which was a lie.”
Boy oh boy, does the blurb of Love, Betrayal, Murder sum it up - but the writing really sells itself. Adam Mitzner's legal thriller - was not exactly thrilling, as much as it was curious. Because, what started off as one aspect of the story became something entirely else mid-way of the plot. And while it wasn't something I was expecting, the trajectory in which it happened intrigued me.
A forbidden love affair gone sour - a sting of betrayal unfortunate yet unavoidable - and a murder completely unexpected yet possibly planned right from the start - these are the delicious elements that summarize the heart of Adam Mitzner's latest legal thriller (till now, I had no idea what that meant - are John Grisham books defined like that, too?)
This was written with a clever sharp and smart sense with plenty of twists and lies and convoluted secrets that kept me turning the page, despite at times being overwhelmed with the intense attention to the court proceedings and legal battles. Which, I understand is to be expecting, but it did get to be a little too much at times. The slight reprieves we did have were when we were presented in alternative view points, certain glimpses into how the characters ended up the way that they did. What I found particularly interesting was how the shift in the opening courtroom drama dialogue, which I thought would be the major focus of the story suddenly shifted in another course - a new storyline unraveled that was completely unexpectedly shocking for me. 😲
What was particularly unique to me was the subtle reference to the #MeToo movement - anyone who is everyone is aware of this, so to see it play out in the story was interesting if not unexpecting. Followed by a chain of events that I really didn't see coming, it made me wonder what was the real premise of this story? Who was the real villain and who was the victim? Who was wrongfully accused and who came out as the winner?
“But you have to recognize that being in love is dangerous too, and if you’re not careful about
how deep you’re getting into it, you can lose everything.”
The characters were - it was clear to me, by Adam Mitzner's dedication that he would have a soft corner for Matthew as the main protagonist - and it showed - not in a bad way, but as one, we would either empathize and sympathize with - or find ourselves questioning his motives for everything he did - good or bad. I don't quite know how I feel about Vanessa and her husband - there wasn't much substance to their relationship and before it had a chance to develop further - it was abruptly cut off - leaving me to wonder what was the purpose of it all? The development of Vanessa and Matt's relationship was also engaging at first, but when there were certain instances where the scenes were repeated, in order for us to get it from each of their views, made for some rather redundant retelling. 😮💨
And yet, what I think what is so utterly charming about the title itself is the twist to it - you don't realize who exactly the title is referring to! Because the little twists and reveals, and surprisingly altered perceptions of characters made me question myself how much of what Matthew was saying was the honest truth or his secretive lies. So, despite my qualms with a few points and it kinda dragging towards the end, I enjoyed reading it. If I'm ever in the mood for another spin in the legal affairs, I'll definitely remember Adam Mitzner's name. 🫡
June 22, 2023
Big thanks to both Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of Love Betrayal Murder.
This is a smart and twisty legal thriller about love, life, and truth, which careens to a shocking conclusion you won’t soon forget. I love the books written by Adam Mitzner, and find them to be believable and twisty at the same time! (Probably because Mr. Mitzner is an attorney.) Love Betrayal Murder had the best characters. I felt drawn in from the very beginning and I especially liked Matt. I also liked how the #MeToo movement was worked into the story.
I loved where the author wrote this about his wife: She reads the manuscript several times, offers insightful comments, corrects my grammar without making fun of me, and encourages me to be the best writer and person I can be.
Honestly, I think it best if the reader goes into this book as blindly as possible, although I will add that the ending was amazing! I highly recommend this entertaining book!!
This is a smart and twisty legal thriller about love, life, and truth, which careens to a shocking conclusion you won’t soon forget. I love the books written by Adam Mitzner, and find them to be believable and twisty at the same time! (Probably because Mr. Mitzner is an attorney.) Love Betrayal Murder had the best characters. I felt drawn in from the very beginning and I especially liked Matt. I also liked how the #MeToo movement was worked into the story.
I loved where the author wrote this about his wife: She reads the manuscript several times, offers insightful comments, corrects my grammar without making fun of me, and encourages me to be the best writer and person I can be.
Honestly, I think it best if the reader goes into this book as blindly as possible, although I will add that the ending was amazing! I highly recommend this entertaining book!!
May 16, 2023
4-4.25?
Thank you to Libro.FM & Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ALC. Sadly, if I hadn't had this as a monthly ALC choice, I probably never would have heard of it and I would have missed out.
Let's talk audio for a second - the narration was excellent. Very well done and when you don't have access to the pages to visually get certain cues in setting changes, the different voices used here helped. Great, great, audio.
Now the book: I saw another reviewer mention that this would be better as a series. I think she's right. Was it a good book? Yes! I gave it 4 stars. I was just hoping for a little bit MORE. First and foremost - DO NOT READ THE SUMMARY. It will ruin a lot. Second, I felt the first half of the book kind of dragged on a bit too long. I think that could have been tightened up a bit. The last half was where things got interesting and where I enjoyed the book the most. I sort of understood why the author took so long to set things up (enough to make you really guess who did it), but then with the resolution, I was...confused. That definitely needed to be fleshed out better. So that was a little letdown.
Overall, this was definitely better than average, I really enjoyed listening to it the past few days, it was an easy and fast listen and it kept me more than entertained. If this ever gets optioned, I think that would be the best way to go. I will check this author out again for sure.
Thank you to Libro.FM & Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ALC. Sadly, if I hadn't had this as a monthly ALC choice, I probably never would have heard of it and I would have missed out.
Let's talk audio for a second - the narration was excellent. Very well done and when you don't have access to the pages to visually get certain cues in setting changes, the different voices used here helped. Great, great, audio.
Now the book: I saw another reviewer mention that this would be better as a series. I think she's right. Was it a good book? Yes! I gave it 4 stars. I was just hoping for a little bit MORE. First and foremost - DO NOT READ THE SUMMARY. It will ruin a lot. Second, I felt the first half of the book kind of dragged on a bit too long. I think that could have been tightened up a bit. The last half was where things got interesting and where I enjoyed the book the most. I sort of understood why the author took so long to set things up (enough to make you really guess who did it), but then with the resolution, I was...confused. That definitely needed to be fleshed out better. So that was a little letdown.
Overall, this was definitely better than average, I really enjoyed listening to it the past few days, it was an easy and fast listen and it kept me more than entertained. If this ever gets optioned, I think that would be the best way to go. I will check this author out again for sure.
April 24, 2023
I don’t read legal thrillers often but on the rare occasion that I do I always wonder why I don’t try more of them. There’s something about a courtroom thriller that appeals to me if it’s done well and this one was pretty solid. As the title promises there is plenty of secrecy and betrayals and the twists were executed in a clever way. I think you should go into this one as blind as possible so I’ll just say if you’re looking for a smart thriller that feels a little different try this.
June 4, 2023
3.5 Stars
Love Betrayal Murder by Adam Mitzner was definitely a captivating story. The title is fitting: love, betrayal and murder is basically the plot boiled down. I was moved by Vanessa and Matt's story and had hoped for a better outcome. It's one where I was left thinking "if only" about so many decisions and actions.
I would've enjoyed it more if the ending wasn't depressing, but it does say something that I listened straight through once I started. The story was gripping. I would've been unsettled not knowing how it all turned out. The twist at the end was a surprise.
The audio was well done. I've enjoyed Bronson Pinchot in the past and his performance was excellent here too. Brian Hutchison and Elizabeth Evans are new-to-me narrators but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a story performed by them again. I upped the speed a little more than my usual speed to 1.75x normal.
An audio copy was kindly provided by Blackstone Publishing via Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
Love Betrayal Murder by Adam Mitzner was definitely a captivating story. The title is fitting: love, betrayal and murder is basically the plot boiled down. I was moved by Vanessa and Matt's story and had hoped for a better outcome. It's one where I was left thinking "if only" about so many decisions and actions.
I would've enjoyed it more if the ending wasn't depressing, but it does say something that I listened straight through once I started. The story was gripping. I would've been unsettled not knowing how it all turned out. The twist at the end was a surprise.
The audio was well done. I've enjoyed Bronson Pinchot in the past and his performance was excellent here too. Brian Hutchison and Elizabeth Evans are new-to-me narrators but I wouldn't hesitate to pick up a story performed by them again. I upped the speed a little more than my usual speed to 1.75x normal.
An audio copy was kindly provided by Blackstone Publishing via Libro.fm in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2023
I LOVED the narration - multiple POV including 2 main characters and court transcripts. Provided timeline, tidbits of foreshadowing to whet your interest, and glimpses into the main characters' thoughts.
Vanessa married a man looking for a wife and family. Bradley sucks as a person and husband.
Paired together on a lengthy trial, Vanessa and Matt become close friends - and lovers.
When Matt makes partner, they tighten their plans - only to cause their individual ruin.
Could easily be read in a day.
Vanessa married a man looking for a wife and family. Bradley sucks as a person and husband.
Paired together on a lengthy trial, Vanessa and Matt become close friends - and lovers.
When Matt makes partner, they tighten their plans - only to cause their individual ruin.
Could easily be read in a day.
June 1, 2023
The Perfect Marriage was the first book I read by Adam Mitzner and I loved it so I was thrilled to read another addictive and compelling book from this talented author. The less you know about this superb legal thriller going in is better and putting the puzzle together for me was a joy. The ending was great and I am already anticipating AM's next work.
May 24, 2023
♥️Love Betrayal Murder🔪
“ When lovers become litigants, fact & fiction dissolve into nothing more than points of view.”
Coworkers at a well-known New York City law firm, Matthew Brooks & Vanessa Lyons are seemingly perfect for each other. The problem? She already has a family: husband Bradley & daughter, Zoe.
“[Her life is] impressive from the outside, but dark and lonely from within.”
Matthew made partner a year ago & Vanessa is “locked in” for the position this year according to her boss Richard. Once she & Matt are BOTH partners, she’ll ask Bradley for a divorce. For it’s against company policy to date your subordinate but not an equal. Others finding about the love affair before getting promoted could cost her what she’s been working hard towards for 9 years.
But, THE meeting is held & the results aren’t what anyone anticipated. Vanessa is devastated, Matthew indifferent & Bradley pissed. How can the couple keep affording to live beyond their means on their current salaries? Their family of 3 was relying on her advancement.
When she finds out Matt did nothing to stand up for her, husband & wife concoct a plan to sue.
“Belief,however, is not truth. The difference lies in the space between what a thing actually is & what it is perceived to be. It is within that gap…that I live & breathe. So much so that I have now staked my future on that distinction.”
12 Jury Members. Will they make the correct decision?
“The people will be guided by the court’s good judgment.”
I did NOT see the twist coming at the half-way point, but I did predict the ending. Super fast paced!
4 ⭐️.
Thank you #partners @librofm @blackstonepublishing & Adam Mitzner for a #gifted #advancelisteningcopy in exchange for my honest review.
Court:Arnold Contract.
🏷
#advancereaderscopy #advancereadercopy #arccopy #arccopyreview #newreleasebooks #newreleasetuesday #newbook #newbooktoread #bookrec #courtroomdrama #thriller #thrillerbooks #thrilleraddict #thrillerbookaddict #thrillerbookstagram #lovebetrayalmurder #librolisteningsquad #audiobook #audiobooksofinstagram #audiobookaddict #audiobooklover #audiobookrecommendation #bookinfluencer #readerinfluencer #influencer #adammitzner
“ When lovers become litigants, fact & fiction dissolve into nothing more than points of view.”
Coworkers at a well-known New York City law firm, Matthew Brooks & Vanessa Lyons are seemingly perfect for each other. The problem? She already has a family: husband Bradley & daughter, Zoe.
“[Her life is] impressive from the outside, but dark and lonely from within.”
Matthew made partner a year ago & Vanessa is “locked in” for the position this year according to her boss Richard. Once she & Matt are BOTH partners, she’ll ask Bradley for a divorce. For it’s against company policy to date your subordinate but not an equal. Others finding about the love affair before getting promoted could cost her what she’s been working hard towards for 9 years.
But, THE meeting is held & the results aren’t what anyone anticipated. Vanessa is devastated, Matthew indifferent & Bradley pissed. How can the couple keep affording to live beyond their means on their current salaries? Their family of 3 was relying on her advancement.
When she finds out Matt did nothing to stand up for her, husband & wife concoct a plan to sue.
“Belief,however, is not truth. The difference lies in the space between what a thing actually is & what it is perceived to be. It is within that gap…that I live & breathe. So much so that I have now staked my future on that distinction.”
12 Jury Members. Will they make the correct decision?
“The people will be guided by the court’s good judgment.”
I did NOT see the twist coming at the half-way point, but I did predict the ending. Super fast paced!
4 ⭐️.
Thank you #partners @librofm @blackstonepublishing & Adam Mitzner for a #gifted #advancelisteningcopy in exchange for my honest review.
Court:Arnold Contract.
🏷
#advancereaderscopy #advancereadercopy #arccopy #arccopyreview #newreleasebooks #newreleasetuesday #newbook #newbooktoread #bookrec #courtroomdrama #thriller #thrillerbooks #thrilleraddict #thrillerbookaddict #thrillerbookstagram #lovebetrayalmurder #librolisteningsquad #audiobook #audiobooksofinstagram #audiobookaddict #audiobooklover #audiobookrecommendation #bookinfluencer #readerinfluencer #influencer #adammitzner
May 18, 2023
This is a twisty murder mystery, part back story and part courtroom procedural. It is just as the title states: Love Betrayal Murder, and in that order.
Vanessa Lyons and Matt Brooks work in the same high level law firm and they are having an affair. Vanessa is married and has a four year old daughter. She is unhappy in her marriage but has not gotten enough courage to leave her husband. Vanessa and Matt are in love but, since Matt made partner, it is against the firm's regulations for him to have an intimate relationship with an associate who has not yet made partner.
Vanessa has been assured by the firm the she is a shoe-in for partner. However, they are asked by HR and head legal counsel if they are having an affair as there is suspicion. An anonymous source has reported their affair. Both lie and say they are not involved. Then the day comes for Vanessa to be reviewed for partner and she does not make it. She is devastated and feels betrayed. She blames her affair with Matt for not making partner.
Vanessa's husband talks her into a lawsuit against her company for sexual harassment. She goes along with him and the lawsuit is filed, Despite winning the case, Vanessa is stabbed to death on a busy Manhattan street in broad daylight. Who wanted Vanessa dead?
Her husband is now a rich man from the settlement. If Vanessa had lived, and then left him, he wouldn't be entitled to the money. Did Vanessa's murder give him what he wanted: a lot of money and full custody of their daughter. Part of the lawsuit required that Matt be dismissed from the firm where he made over a million dollars a year. Did he want revenge?
As the courtroom procedural moves forward, the reader isn't sure who the murderer is despite Matt being the accused.
I was very unhappy with the outcome. It felt forced and I could not suspend belief. Despite this, I loved the book. It is very well written, highly suspenseful and a true page-turner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishers, and Adam Mitzner for allowing me to read an early review copy of this book.
Vanessa Lyons and Matt Brooks work in the same high level law firm and they are having an affair. Vanessa is married and has a four year old daughter. She is unhappy in her marriage but has not gotten enough courage to leave her husband. Vanessa and Matt are in love but, since Matt made partner, it is against the firm's regulations for him to have an intimate relationship with an associate who has not yet made partner.
Vanessa has been assured by the firm the she is a shoe-in for partner. However, they are asked by HR and head legal counsel if they are having an affair as there is suspicion. An anonymous source has reported their affair. Both lie and say they are not involved. Then the day comes for Vanessa to be reviewed for partner and she does not make it. She is devastated and feels betrayed. She blames her affair with Matt for not making partner.
Vanessa's husband talks her into a lawsuit against her company for sexual harassment. She goes along with him and the lawsuit is filed, Despite winning the case, Vanessa is stabbed to death on a busy Manhattan street in broad daylight. Who wanted Vanessa dead?
Her husband is now a rich man from the settlement. If Vanessa had lived, and then left him, he wouldn't be entitled to the money. Did Vanessa's murder give him what he wanted: a lot of money and full custody of their daughter. Part of the lawsuit required that Matt be dismissed from the firm where he made over a million dollars a year. Did he want revenge?
As the courtroom procedural moves forward, the reader isn't sure who the murderer is despite Matt being the accused.
I was very unhappy with the outcome. It felt forced and I could not suspend belief. Despite this, I loved the book. It is very well written, highly suspenseful and a true page-turner.
Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishers, and Adam Mitzner for allowing me to read an early review copy of this book.
March 12, 2023
Love Betrayal Murder by Adam Mitzner A fast-paced thriller with a scandalous love affair, murder, courtroom drama, and a who-done-it ending. I was taken aback by the ending, which I did not see coming. Vanessa, Matt and Bradley were likeable and dislikeable at various points throughout the story. Complex, with many twists and turns, it is a thoroughly engrossing and entertaining read.
Thank you to the author, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to the author, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
June 20, 2023
What is the truth?
What is a lie?
What is an omission?
Trial drama.
I enjoyed Love Betrayal Murder.
I highly recommend this book.
What is a lie?
What is an omission?
Trial drama.
I enjoyed Love Betrayal Murder.
I highly recommend this book.
May 18, 2023
LOVE BETRAYAL MURDER was my first book by Adam Mitzner. I love a good legal thriller, so I was drawn to the synopsis immediately. The story was slow to start, but picked up around the halfway mark when the verdict is announced regarding Vanessa's court case. After that, I was on the edge of my seat wondering how this would all play out. When I got to the last six minutes of the book and still didn't know what happened, I was feeling anxious. The conclusion was not what I expected and left me with a few unanswered questions. I guess I was hoping for more. If you enjoy open endings you are sure to like this one.
Many thanks to Libro for my ALC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
Many thanks to Libro for my ALC.
This review will be shared to my Instagram (@coffee.break.book.reviews) in the near future.
May 15, 2023
I love love LOVE legal thrillers. Sadly there are not enough of them, so I was thrilled to discover this new to me author.
This is everything I love about a legal thriller.
☑️Courtroom time
☑️Insight into the inner workings of a trial
☑️A surprising twist
Seriously at the halfway point, I was like 🤯
Vanessa and Matthew are both lawyers, although he holds a more senior position. The imbalance of power makes their affair prohibited.
When Vanessa is passed over for a promotion that was nearly guaranteed, she realizes her affair may be the reason. The timing is made even worse for Matt as it was right at the start of the #MeToo movement.
What follows is a trial, a murder (yes in that order) and a lot of questions about whodunit.
I was glued to this page turner. So so good. I do wish there was more at the end, but still loved it!
This is everything I love about a legal thriller.
☑️Courtroom time
☑️Insight into the inner workings of a trial
☑️A surprising twist
Seriously at the halfway point, I was like 🤯
Vanessa and Matthew are both lawyers, although he holds a more senior position. The imbalance of power makes their affair prohibited.
When Vanessa is passed over for a promotion that was nearly guaranteed, she realizes her affair may be the reason. The timing is made even worse for Matt as it was right at the start of the #MeToo movement.
What follows is a trial, a murder (yes in that order) and a lot of questions about whodunit.
I was glued to this page turner. So so good. I do wish there was more at the end, but still loved it!
April 4, 2023
Love Betrayal Murder
Ummm the first thought that crossed my mind was "Ladies, hide your husbands"' . Based on the title I was thinking this would be a domestic thriller . What it ended up being was just so much more.
Having read both The Perfect Marriage and Dead Certain, I was familiar with Adam Mitzner's writing style and I thoroughly enjoy his work. Love Betrayal Murder, is INTENSE, to say the least. Every time I thought I had it all figured out I was dead wrong. I also appreciated that this was a legal thriller and the accuracy was pretty spot on.
Mitzner did his research. Not only was this a book to brag about but it was incredibly well done and thought out. Nothing felt rushed or pushed along. The details made the story come to life and that character build was on point.
Love Betrayal Murder is out next month and I highly recommend everyone who loves a legal thriller, pre-order book!
Teaser :
Matthew Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are a perfect love match, both attorneys at a powerful New York City law firm. But there’s a hitch: Matt just made partner, and Vanessa is coming up for partner next year. And Vanessa’s husband, the profligate Bradley Lyons, has his suspicions.
Vanessa is assigned to the biggest case at the firm, the one that will determine her future. Unfortunately, Matt has been working the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policy. When Vanessa is denied her partnership, despite assurances to the contrary, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Then, on a crowded Manhattan street corner, a knife flashes in the midday sun, leaving behind a scene of horror. But with so many having been betrayed, will the murderer be brought to justice? A gripping criminal trial will leave readers unsure of who, if anyone, is telling the truth, all culminating in a jaw-dropping reveal.
Ummm the first thought that crossed my mind was "Ladies, hide your husbands"' . Based on the title I was thinking this would be a domestic thriller . What it ended up being was just so much more.
Having read both The Perfect Marriage and Dead Certain, I was familiar with Adam Mitzner's writing style and I thoroughly enjoy his work. Love Betrayal Murder, is INTENSE, to say the least. Every time I thought I had it all figured out I was dead wrong. I also appreciated that this was a legal thriller and the accuracy was pretty spot on.
Mitzner did his research. Not only was this a book to brag about but it was incredibly well done and thought out. Nothing felt rushed or pushed along. The details made the story come to life and that character build was on point.
Love Betrayal Murder is out next month and I highly recommend everyone who loves a legal thriller, pre-order book!
Teaser :
Matthew Brooks and Vanessa Lyons are a perfect love match, both attorneys at a powerful New York City law firm. But there’s a hitch: Matt just made partner, and Vanessa is coming up for partner next year. And Vanessa’s husband, the profligate Bradley Lyons, has his suspicions.
Vanessa is assigned to the biggest case at the firm, the one that will determine her future. Unfortunately, Matt has been working the case for years, leaving him no choice but to supervise his lover in violation of firm policy. When Vanessa is denied her partnership, despite assurances to the contrary, she can only assume that her affair with Matt was the reason.
Then, on a crowded Manhattan street corner, a knife flashes in the midday sun, leaving behind a scene of horror. But with so many having been betrayed, will the murderer be brought to justice? A gripping criminal trial will leave readers unsure of who, if anyone, is telling the truth, all culminating in a jaw-dropping reveal.
September 11, 2024
Book Blog | Bookstagram
This is a decent legal thriller if that is what you’re into. But you’ve probably read better. You can definitely tell the author knows his shit when it comes to moving about a courtroom, but there was just something about the treatment of the only predominant female in the plot that really irked me.
Vanessa is not given a proper POV. The part she plays in everything that happens cannot be overstated, but she’s treated as nothing more than a required puzzle piece. If you take her away, the only thing you’re really left with is a bunch of shitty men being annoying in a courtroom.
This had some of those juicy, satisfying legal moments you look for, but I found the plot to be overwrought and sometimes tedious. You go through the sequence of events with the characters, then rehash it all again and again as we move from law firm/HR meetings to a trial. And for the real kick-in-the-crotch, everything exciting and dark in the plot takes place off-page.
And that ending? Come on.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded up
book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review
This is a decent legal thriller if that is what you’re into. But you’ve probably read better. You can definitely tell the author knows his shit when it comes to moving about a courtroom, but there was just something about the treatment of the only predominant female in the plot that really irked me.
Vanessa is not given a proper POV. The part she plays in everything that happens cannot be overstated, but she’s treated as nothing more than a required puzzle piece. If you take her away, the only thing you’re really left with is a bunch of shitty men being annoying in a courtroom.
This had some of those juicy, satisfying legal moments you look for, but I found the plot to be overwrought and sometimes tedious. You go through the sequence of events with the characters, then rehash it all again and again as we move from law firm/HR meetings to a trial. And for the real kick-in-the-crotch, everything exciting and dark in the plot takes place off-page.
And that ending? Come on.
The vibe for this one:
⭐⭐½ | 2.5 stars rounded up
book source: Netgalley in exchange for a review
May 16, 2023
4.5 stars
Matthew and Vanessa are the perfect couple, so in love and both lawyers at the powerful Rawls Ryan firm. There’s just one tiny problem: Vanessa is married…and not to Matthew. Well maybe two problems….Matthew just became partner and Vanessa isn’t up until next year meaning their relationship is against the firm’s policy.
This book was such a cool mix of legal thriller and mystery. We got sections of the direct and cross examinations as well as glimpses into the trial but it wasn’t the whole book. Because if it was all trial I feel it would get old so this was the perfect balance in my opinion.
While I didn’t particularly love any of the characters, I was invested in the story nonetheless. Even though I guessed the main twist, it was just such an entertaining read with a great pace.
This was my first by this author but I will definitely be going back and checking out his backlist.
Thank you Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and LetsTalkBooks Promo for my review copy!
Matthew and Vanessa are the perfect couple, so in love and both lawyers at the powerful Rawls Ryan firm. There’s just one tiny problem: Vanessa is married…and not to Matthew. Well maybe two problems….Matthew just became partner and Vanessa isn’t up until next year meaning their relationship is against the firm’s policy.
This book was such a cool mix of legal thriller and mystery. We got sections of the direct and cross examinations as well as glimpses into the trial but it wasn’t the whole book. Because if it was all trial I feel it would get old so this was the perfect balance in my opinion.
While I didn’t particularly love any of the characters, I was invested in the story nonetheless. Even though I guessed the main twist, it was just such an entertaining read with a great pace.
This was my first by this author but I will definitely be going back and checking out his backlist.
Thank you Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and LetsTalkBooks Promo for my review copy!
May 28, 2023
Loved this book! I guessed the twist but I still enjoyed the ride. The court scenes were top notch and fun to read. I always love a courtroom drama but this book was just so good. But did I miss something because who actually called in the complaint of the affair happening? Everyone assumed Bradley had but was it ever confirmed?!
This is a cautionary tale about the consequences of an affair and the far-reaching implications it had on everyone around them. No one was left unscarred.
Also, found a typo in the book. But still all round 5 star.
This is a cautionary tale about the consequences of an affair and the far-reaching implications it had on everyone around them. No one was left unscarred.
Also, found a typo in the book. But still all round 5 star.
May 25, 2023
Love Betrayal Murder is a brand new legal thriller, out this week. I listened to it - binged in a day, actually - last month and it was just the popcorn listen I needed!
The title gives readers the basic outline and I’d recommend going in without knowing much more than:
• a workplace romance goes very wrong
• careers are ruined
• someone is murdered
• you will NEED to know whodunnit!
Overall, an enjoyable, accessible legal thriller. Audio was well done.
The title gives readers the basic outline and I’d recommend going in without knowing much more than:
• a workplace romance goes very wrong
• careers are ruined
• someone is murdered
• you will NEED to know whodunnit!
Overall, an enjoyable, accessible legal thriller. Audio was well done.
May 16, 2023
Thank you LibroFM for the gifted alc. The audio was around 8 hours on audio and narrated by Bronson Pinchot, Elizabeth Evans and Brian Hutchison.
No need to read the synopsis of this as the title reveals plenty. This is for legal thriller fans that don't mind a basic story that they can binge by the pool this summer.
3.5 stars
No need to read the synopsis of this as the title reveals plenty. This is for legal thriller fans that don't mind a basic story that they can binge by the pool this summer.
3.5 stars
May 15, 2023
Thank you to @getredprbooks @adammitzner and @blackstonepublishing for my advance copy of Love Betrayal Murder! I love a good #legalthriller especially since I work in that field!
I feel like this book would make an amazing Netflix series! It has drama, great character development and felt like an episode of Law and Order SVU!!! You all know it’s my fav show. I really felt for Matt and throughout the entire story I felt like he got the short end of the stick in ways. I know, I know. Its hard with cheating and there are two sides to every story, but Vanessa was married. Matt wasn’t. I dunno….
I feel like Mitzner’s real life background in law really make this one feel authentic. The research was done so well and the entire book so realistic I was really impressed. The way the story line flipped back and forth between narration and the cross-examinations you really didn’t know who to suspect.
My only thing that I would gripe on would be that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Maybe if some of the actual “court room” was cut out and more added to the ending, I would feel a bit better. It was however suspenseful and for those would like their legal thrillers, it’s a must!
I feel like this book would make an amazing Netflix series! It has drama, great character development and felt like an episode of Law and Order SVU!!! You all know it’s my fav show. I really felt for Matt and throughout the entire story I felt like he got the short end of the stick in ways. I know, I know. Its hard with cheating and there are two sides to every story, but Vanessa was married. Matt wasn’t. I dunno….
I feel like Mitzner’s real life background in law really make this one feel authentic. The research was done so well and the entire book so realistic I was really impressed. The way the story line flipped back and forth between narration and the cross-examinations you really didn’t know who to suspect.
My only thing that I would gripe on would be that I felt the ending was a bit rushed. Maybe if some of the actual “court room” was cut out and more added to the ending, I would feel a bit better. It was however suspenseful and for those would like their legal thrillers, it’s a must!
April 13, 2023
The #MeToo movement has been center stage in a lot of novel’s lately, so when another one comes along, I am hesitant to see if someone can put a new twist on the story and keep me enter at the same time. This hit the mark. This is a legal thriller that takes place both inside and outside the courtroom when Vanessa files a sexual discrimination lawsuit against her former law firm. But how did we get here?
Vanessa and Matthew are in love. They work together and one of them reports to the other-problem number one. One of them is married-problem number two. But neither wants those issues to come between what he have together. Until it’s time for the annual promoting of the partners and things go completely off the rails. It’s every man for himself, but when you’re part of a duo, that doesn’t end well for one of you.
This was a great balance of court room scenes and glimpses of the life that brought them to that point.
My first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing, Let’s Talk Books Promo and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
Vanessa and Matthew are in love. They work together and one of them reports to the other-problem number one. One of them is married-problem number two. But neither wants those issues to come between what he have together. Until it’s time for the annual promoting of the partners and things go completely off the rails. It’s every man for himself, but when you’re part of a duo, that doesn’t end well for one of you.
This was a great balance of court room scenes and glimpses of the life that brought them to that point.
My first book by this author but definitely won’t be my last.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing, Let’s Talk Books Promo and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
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