Guilty or Else

Jimmy O'Brien Mystery #1

by Jeff Sherratt

"Get your client to plead guilty, or else!" This is the last thing an ex-cop with a brand new law license expects to hear when they hand him the case of a lifetime on a silver platter. But Jimmy's shining star obviously has some strings attached. When a prominent state senator's attractive assistant is murdered, the cops arrest a Mexican gardener. The DA's case is slam-dunk. It's all wrapped up nice and tight. Maybe a little too tight. Something's not right in Downey! It's 1972 and the Mob is heavy into politics. From the track at Del Mar to the neon strip of Las Vegas and back to Beverly Hills, this novice criminal lawyer finds himself climbing into the pockets of judges and fending off the threats of a garbage mogul. How much did the assistant really know about the senator's powerful backers? Enough get her killed?

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Mystery Thriller

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Jeff Sherratt is the author of the acclaimed Jimmy O'Brien mystery series. His newest book, DETOUR TO MURDER (2010), is published by ZOVA Books and is the first in the Jimmy O'Brien film noir mystery series.

Jimmy O'Brien's latest exploits are chronicled in EXPECTATION TO MURDER (2010), an exclusive e-book released on July 5, 2010.

Soon after its release, his first novel, THE BRIMSTONE MURDERS (2008) became the bestselling book of all time for Echelon Press. The second, GUILTY OR ELSE (2009) was nominated for the Left Coast Crime Panik Award. Jeff has written nonfiction articles for corporate newsletters and his short stores have been published in H2O Magazine and the anthology, THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT. He is a past board member of Sisters in Crime/LA, and currently a member of Mystery Writers of America.

Jeff has been a speaker at many book events including libraries, various California prisons, and he was the guest speaker at the prestigious Southern California Writers Conference.

He is currently working on his fourth Jimmy O'Brien novel, CYANIDE PERFUME. Jeff lives in Newport Beach, California with his wife, Judy.

Reviews

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I become entranced with mysteries with the Earl Stanley Gardner, Raymond Chandler and Agatha Christie. Sherratt writes in the same style as these tried and true writers. The story is set in the seventies and it is a typical noir mystery. The only criticism I have is that O,Brien is trying to prove his client's innocence and he keeps getting distracted by other issues. Granted, it turns out that those issues are very pertinent to the story, but I almost forgot there was a murder to be solved. This is book one in the Jimmy O'Brien series and I'm starting on book two, The Brimstone Murders as we speak. I can't wait to see what will be going on in this one. If you are a true mystery fan, don't miss this series. You'll be sorry if you do.

[Kathi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm on a roll....another great story by Jeff Sherratt ! Keep 'em coming! The details are so simply put, they actually let you use your imagination. I often find myself driving around a certain area of the city an imagine "Jimmy's Office", or drive by the Police Station and imagine something that just happened....or maybe driving down Florence Avenue where Rocco's was (now something else), and seeing the cliental going in and out. Yeah, it's awesome to be able to actually put yourself into a book like that. Really cool! Something many kids nowadays can't relate to.....

[Charles Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Time

This is the first time I have read anything from is author and about his main protagonist Jimmy O'Brien and I must say I was truly impressed. A nice fast paced thriller and mystery that made me like all the characters involved and along with the authors writing style made it such an easy read. Yes, I will add this series to my collection of other series.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've come to really enjoy the Jimmy O'Brien series and want to read more. It's great to read a book that is centered in your hometown (Downey)...you start to think of the places you've been or what was once there. It's like an old school detective novel.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story takes place in the 1970s and it was fun to read thins tale that sticks to that time period. The absence of personal computers, Internet and cell phones can really change the underlying story line. Fun.

[Diane T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little mystery.

[Javier R]

Very well written. Enjoyable

[Vikram · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice fast paced mystery with very movie like charecters

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite liked the protagonist, Jimmy, and ended up reading the next couple of books in the series, too. Nice 70s atmosphere and engaging narration.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Good. K.

[Cindy B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like this author's work....

[S.F. Johnson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read

Not bad. Not too much mystery but enough to hold your attention. Good book to read while you wait in doctors office.