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David Brunelle Legal Thriller #15
Defense of Others:
THIS TIME, IT'S PERSONAL
One of Seattle's most flamboyant and successful criminal defense attorneys is murdered in his office, and the case lands on the desk of homicide prosecutor David Brunelle. Brunelle isn't about to shed a tear over the death of a longtime rival, but he has a job to do. The only things standing between him and a conviction are the facts and the law.
Once apprehended, the killer tells a story that, if true, would let him walk out the door. The dead man was everything Brunelle amoral, craven, unhinged. The killer and a friend went to him for legal help but things went sideways. Things were said. Tempers flared. The lawyer attacked his friend. He had no choice.
The law of self-defense extends to defending others. If what the killer says is true, he's not guilty of murder. Brunelle is ready to believe everything he said about the victim, so why shouldn't he also believe him about how the killing happened? Brunelle embarks on a voyage of discovery about his late opponent, and himself, to try to bring justice to a man who made a career of obstructing it.
Defense of Others is Book 15 in the top-rated legal thriller series featuring Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but also follows the personal and professional growth of Brunelle and his friends and foes.
One of Seattle's most flamboyant and successful criminal defense attorneys is murdered in his office, and the case lands on the desk of homicide prosecutor David Brunelle. Brunelle isn't about to shed a tear over the death of a longtime rival, but he has a job to do. The only things standing between him and a conviction are the facts and the law.
Once apprehended, the killer tells a story that, if true, would let him walk out the door. The dead man was everything Brunelle amoral, craven, unhinged. The killer and a friend went to him for legal help but things went sideways. Things were said. Tempers flared. The lawyer attacked his friend. He had no choice.
The law of self-defense extends to defending others. If what the killer says is true, he's not guilty of murder. Brunelle is ready to believe everything he said about the victim, so why shouldn't he also believe him about how the killing happened? Brunelle embarks on a voyage of discovery about his late opponent, and himself, to try to bring justice to a man who made a career of obstructing it.
Defense of Others is Book 15 in the top-rated legal thriller series featuring Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. Each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but also follows the personal and professional growth of Brunelle and his friends and foes.
205 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2022
389 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Penner
62 books164 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
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December 6, 2022Gun powder residue
Good book, Interesting twists and subplots. One main problem was lack of gun powder determinations on the dead guy ----- if absent it would totally blow the shooters lie about the lawyer firing first. Fact that none of the three were tested for gun powder residue is unbelievable and makes whole premise of the shooting almost silly in view that this is a routine for probably the last 50 years.
Good book, Interesting twists and subplots. One main problem was lack of gun powder determinations on the dead guy ----- if absent it would totally blow the shooters lie about the lawyer firing first. Fact that none of the three were tested for gun powder residue is unbelievable and makes whole premise of the shooting almost silly in view that this is a routine for probably the last 50 years.
October 20, 2022
Be warned: Continuity is non-existent.
This is probably more a spew than anything, but...whatever.
This thing is definitely short and sweet and easy to read. I honestly didn't even think Penner was bringing us another Brunelle book at all, so I guess I ought to be grateful? Sadly, though, I'm more just disappointed. Because this story doesn't really serve a purpose. Not even the shortness of it is excuse enough for the blatant lack of continuity. I'm accustomed to bite-sized pieces of Brunelle's personal life outside of work from the former entries, but to not have ANY pieces now? No. Didn't like that. It almost feels like it doesn't even belong in the series at all, and that's saying something. Even the case itself with all the lawyerly antics, which are usually so fun, was tragically underwhelming.
Now look, I admit, I had my petty complaints about the David Brunelle series when first diving in. I may have loved the books overall, (very much loved) but hey, complaints are complaints. What's important to keep in mind (for me at least), is that most if not ALL of those complaints were based purely on two things: (1) the lack of character developments OUTSIDE of the legal cases, and (2) the lack of verdicts. Take a look at all my reviews for this entire series and you'll see plain as day. Now of course, there may have been some grumbles on specific plots points here and there, sure, but overall, what always bothered me the most were those two specific things. And that's it.
As a whole, I love these books. I love the pacing, the characters, and most of all, the dramatic stress of the cases themselves. That's why lawyers make the best authors for legal thrillers. Because they actually gotta LIVE this stuff and then also have the patience, diligence, and willingness to share their knowledge and creativity with the rest of us commonfolk. And Stephen Penner is no different. While the lack of verdicts and character development bothered me, I eventually learned to overlook those things and enjoyed the stories for what they were. Furthermore, what little exposure I DID have to characters' lives outside of the legal cases (fleeting as they were) still ended up being just sufficient enough to appease me.
Like I said before, this book is not only short, but it offered no explanation to literally ANYONE'S lives outside of the legal case going on, namely Brunelle's. There was significant growth to him in the previous book, particularly in his love life with Casey Emory (he asked the woman to move in with him, for gawd's sake). I liked seeing his story move from book to book to book, enjoying both his personal and professional life. But this book fails in maintaining that rhythm. There is no Casey Emory here. It's like the woman never existed. There is no mention of her at all, not even in the multiple moments there COULD have been. Why? Just...WHY? I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but oh well. I like being invested in the stories I read, and I find it downright aggravating when I'm left in the dark. Even short stories should give me SOMETHING to chew on. A simple crumb.
Perhaps I'm simply too demanding as a reader? But you know what? So be it. I like what I like. And I really, REALLY liked what Penner gave me in all the previous Brunelle entries (more or less). He made it work in his way and he won me over. That's probably what makes it all the more annoying for me, I guess, is knowing what someone CAN do and having to accept what they DIDN'T. But alas, as disappointed as I was with this rather mediocre entry, I always say that every series is allowed to have a dud or two in its ranks. So that being said, fine. Be the dud. Just don't do it again.
This is probably more a spew than anything, but...whatever.
This thing is definitely short and sweet and easy to read. I honestly didn't even think Penner was bringing us another Brunelle book at all, so I guess I ought to be grateful? Sadly, though, I'm more just disappointed. Because this story doesn't really serve a purpose. Not even the shortness of it is excuse enough for the blatant lack of continuity. I'm accustomed to bite-sized pieces of Brunelle's personal life outside of work from the former entries, but to not have ANY pieces now? No. Didn't like that. It almost feels like it doesn't even belong in the series at all, and that's saying something. Even the case itself with all the lawyerly antics, which are usually so fun, was tragically underwhelming.
Now look, I admit, I had my petty complaints about the David Brunelle series when first diving in. I may have loved the books overall, (very much loved) but hey, complaints are complaints. What's important to keep in mind (for me at least), is that most if not ALL of those complaints were based purely on two things: (1) the lack of character developments OUTSIDE of the legal cases, and (2) the lack of verdicts. Take a look at all my reviews for this entire series and you'll see plain as day. Now of course, there may have been some grumbles on specific plots points here and there, sure, but overall, what always bothered me the most were those two specific things. And that's it.
As a whole, I love these books. I love the pacing, the characters, and most of all, the dramatic stress of the cases themselves. That's why lawyers make the best authors for legal thrillers. Because they actually gotta LIVE this stuff and then also have the patience, diligence, and willingness to share their knowledge and creativity with the rest of us commonfolk. And Stephen Penner is no different. While the lack of verdicts and character development bothered me, I eventually learned to overlook those things and enjoyed the stories for what they were. Furthermore, what little exposure I DID have to characters' lives outside of the legal cases (fleeting as they were) still ended up being just sufficient enough to appease me.
Like I said before, this book is not only short, but it offered no explanation to literally ANYONE'S lives outside of the legal case going on, namely Brunelle's. There was significant growth to him in the previous book, particularly in his love life with Casey Emory (he asked the woman to move in with him, for gawd's sake). I liked seeing his story move from book to book to book, enjoying both his personal and professional life. But this book fails in maintaining that rhythm. There is no Casey Emory here. It's like the woman never existed. There is no mention of her at all, not even in the multiple moments there COULD have been. Why? Just...WHY? I realize I'm probably in the minority here, but oh well. I like being invested in the stories I read, and I find it downright aggravating when I'm left in the dark. Even short stories should give me SOMETHING to chew on. A simple crumb.
Perhaps I'm simply too demanding as a reader? But you know what? So be it. I like what I like. And I really, REALLY liked what Penner gave me in all the previous Brunelle entries (more or less). He made it work in his way and he won me over. That's probably what makes it all the more annoying for me, I guess, is knowing what someone CAN do and having to accept what they DIDN'T. But alas, as disappointed as I was with this rather mediocre entry, I always say that every series is allowed to have a dud or two in its ranks. So that being said, fine. Be the dud. Just don't do it again.
November 2, 2025
3.5 Stars
Defense of Others is the fifteenth instalment in the David Brunelle Legal Thriller Series. And so the book binge began ... this series turned out to be a gripping and masterfully crafted collection of legal dramas set against the backdrop of Seattle’s criminal justice system. The series follows David Brunelle, a dedicated and sharp prosecutor, as he navigates the complexities of law, morality, and justice.
What makes this series stand out is the balance between intense courtroom drama with deeply human stories. David Brunelle is an intriguing character - intelligent, principled, and yet flawed in ways that make him even more relatable. Mr. Penner’s writing easily brings the legal world to life with authenticity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges prosecutors face, from gathering evidence to battling wily defense attorneys.
Each book in the series presents a unique and thought-provoking case, often delving into some morally ambiguous territory. The plots are tightly woven, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Mr. Penner’s ability to build the tension and suspense is noteworthy, as is his knack for creating vivid, multidimensional characters – both the heroes and villains.
So, whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, crime fiction, or simply enjoy a well-told story, then the David Brunelle series delivers on all fronts.
Happy Reading…
Defense of Others is the fifteenth instalment in the David Brunelle Legal Thriller Series. And so the book binge began ... this series turned out to be a gripping and masterfully crafted collection of legal dramas set against the backdrop of Seattle’s criminal justice system. The series follows David Brunelle, a dedicated and sharp prosecutor, as he navigates the complexities of law, morality, and justice.
What makes this series stand out is the balance between intense courtroom drama with deeply human stories. David Brunelle is an intriguing character - intelligent, principled, and yet flawed in ways that make him even more relatable. Mr. Penner’s writing easily brings the legal world to life with authenticity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges prosecutors face, from gathering evidence to battling wily defense attorneys.
Each book in the series presents a unique and thought-provoking case, often delving into some morally ambiguous territory. The plots are tightly woven, with twists that are both surprising and satisfying. Mr. Penner’s ability to build the tension and suspense is noteworthy, as is his knack for creating vivid, multidimensional characters – both the heroes and villains.
So, whether you’re a fan of legal thrillers, crime fiction, or simply enjoy a well-told story, then the David Brunelle series delivers on all fronts.
Happy Reading…
December 6, 2024
Two young men visit a prominent Seattle defense lawyer late one night. One of them shoots the lawyer four times, killing him, and the young men flee the scene. They are subsequently picked up by police.
The shooter claims that he was shooting in defense of his friend, who was being attacked by the lawyer, but his story is questionable. The friend refuses to talk to the police, and the shooter is arrested and charged with murder.
David Brunelle and Gwen Carlisle, who are prosecuting the case, are faced with trying to find out why the young men were visiting the lawyer and what happened exactly. Their investigation leads to some possibilities but no clear answers. They have to count on the truth coming out during the trial. This is an absorbing drama with a dramatic ending.
The shooter claims that he was shooting in defense of his friend, who was being attacked by the lawyer, but his story is questionable. The friend refuses to talk to the police, and the shooter is arrested and charged with murder.
David Brunelle and Gwen Carlisle, who are prosecuting the case, are faced with trying to find out why the young men were visiting the lawyer and what happened exactly. Their investigation leads to some possibilities but no clear answers. They have to count on the truth coming out during the trial. This is an absorbing drama with a dramatic ending.
May 7, 2023
free ebook of series i like
he is a lawyer and the murder victim is another lawyer he didnt like.
there were 2 men who were questioned, the first one admitted to shooting him but said it was in defense of his friend. that the lawyer had a gun (which they later sold) and was going to kill his friend
they are not able to question the friend and the lawyer for the suspect is the lawyer for his friend too
they find out they were both in the same orphanage so they think that might have something to do with it
he got the other man on the stand, and it all came out, with the defendant yelling
they both were in big trouble!
he is a lawyer and the murder victim is another lawyer he didnt like.
there were 2 men who were questioned, the first one admitted to shooting him but said it was in defense of his friend. that the lawyer had a gun (which they later sold) and was going to kill his friend
they are not able to question the friend and the lawyer for the suspect is the lawyer for his friend too
they find out they were both in the same orphanage so they think that might have something to do with it
he got the other man on the stand, and it all came out, with the defendant yelling
they both were in big trouble!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2024
it’s the same as the others but different crime
Ok, I’m still TeamDave but the storylines are repetitive and predictable. I thought author would have switched up or rattled the plots of his books at least threw in a monkey wrench to shake the storyline a little. They basically all the same story, just different scenarios. I kept reading because I liked Dave character but I was never surprised that he would win at the end. I would’ve loved to see him lose at least 1 or 2 cases. It would’ve made it more realistic. So, I lost interest in the series but I’m gonna read book 16 because I came this far and it’s the last book so I just as well.
Ok, I’m still TeamDave but the storylines are repetitive and predictable. I thought author would have switched up or rattled the plots of his books at least threw in a monkey wrench to shake the storyline a little. They basically all the same story, just different scenarios. I kept reading because I liked Dave character but I was never surprised that he would win at the end. I would’ve loved to see him lose at least 1 or 2 cases. It would’ve made it more realistic. So, I lost interest in the series but I’m gonna read book 16 because I came this far and it’s the last book so I just as well.
August 4, 2023
Review of Defense of others
Book 15 in the Dave Brunelle series has a Colombo theme to it. In the Colombo series you see a person kill another person and Colombo has to prove it. In this story a person is killed and you know who committed the crime, but you don't know why. Throw in an arrogant rich Defense Attorney and you have a good story
Book 15 in the Dave Brunelle series has a Colombo theme to it. In the Colombo series you see a person kill another person and Colombo has to prove it. In this story a person is killed and you know who committed the crime, but you don't know why. Throw in an arrogant rich Defense Attorney and you have a good story
September 14, 2024
15th Book
This is the 15th book in the series. The length of his books are perfect and I have enjoyed every book. I cannot say, however, that I like his endings. They are too abrupt. When Dave wins a case against a criminal attorney, I would expect there to be ending words with the attorney that he classed with throughout the trial.
This is the 15th book in the series. The length of his books are perfect and I have enjoyed every book. I cannot say, however, that I like his endings. They are too abrupt. When Dave wins a case against a criminal attorney, I would expect there to be ending words with the attorney that he classed with throughout the trial.
September 20, 2025
Three stars and still a good read!
Written with many twist and turns. The hook was set early with no turning back. Two more series books to read. An easy read with a good plot where Brunelle always pulls it off in the end. Anyone who likes a quick read that holds your interest, this is the book.
Written with many twist and turns. The hook was set early with no turning back. Two more series books to read. An easy read with a good plot where Brunelle always pulls it off in the end. Anyone who likes a quick read that holds your interest, this is the book.
November 10, 2022
For some reason, this book , in the series that I have completely read, was not as interesting to me. The plot was a little improbable. The defense attorney was a piece of work. The book ended very abruptly .
February 28, 2023
It was good. Same quick plot twist at the end. But having read books 1-14, where the hell was Brunells girlfriend he was supposedly moving in with? If this is to be the last book, then it was poor in tying up the ends. If not, a little hint as to something next would be nice.
September 23, 2024
nice bluff
Interesting read. Not a lot of drama or suspense for a legal thriller. Have read most of Stephen Penner books and this one was just ok. I took the role of a juror and I would have convicted on the evidence
Interesting read. Not a lot of drama or suspense for a legal thriller. Have read most of Stephen Penner books and this one was just ok. I took the role of a juror and I would have convicted on the evidence
September 16, 2025
Interesting story
Stephen Penner must have a law background. He has his prosecutor Dave Brunelle give really great opening s & questions during the trial.
Brunelle works hard to prosecute this case. Read & find out.!
Stephen Penner must have a law background. He has his prosecutor Dave Brunelle give really great opening s & questions during the trial.
Brunelle works hard to prosecute this case. Read & find out.!
December 21, 2022
Engaging
I liked the legal analysis. I didn't detect any logical or legislative faults. I never felt close to any of the characters. I'm going to try another.
I liked the legal analysis. I didn't detect any logical or legislative faults. I never felt close to any of the characters. I'm going to try another.
February 7, 2023
Fun and exciting.
Great novel and very interesting. Who ever knows who all the players are? Can't wait to read the next book.
Great novel and very interesting. Who ever knows who all the players are? Can't wait to read the next book.
February 8, 2023
defense of others
Could have proof read before publishing.
Word word word word word word word word word word word word word w
Could have proof read before publishing.
Word word word word word word word word word word word word word w
February 18, 2023
good book
I really enjoyed this book. It had lot of action. It also had plenty of court room dialogue. I have a hard time finding books like this one.
I really enjoyed this book. It had lot of action. It also had plenty of court room dialogue. I have a hard time finding books like this one.
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April 14, 2024No Surprise Once Again
I guess I am always hoping Murder mystery is just that . There was a murder but no surprise murderer.
I guess I am always hoping Murder mystery is just that . There was a murder but no surprise murderer.
November 5, 2024
Another excellent book with a well-described courtroom scene. Perhaps the ending was a bit sudden with everything falling into place too smoothly but a very enjoyable read.
March 9, 2025
Another stunning thriller by Stephen Penner!
September 19, 2025
Defense of Others
This story was something totally different and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I never saw the twist coming at the end for the motive.
Well told.
This story was something totally different and I thoroughly enjoyed it and I never saw the twist coming at the end for the motive.
Well told.
February 16, 2026
Another really good storyline but a very strange ending
October 25, 2022
I have read all 15 novels in this series. Mr Penner continues to provide a wonderful reading experience. Each and every story is different, each written with a great talent for writing. I really enjoy this experience.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews