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The Mob.
But a new mob, with leaders that Rivka hadn’t run across before. Decentralized control. Like rats in a station’s bilge, they reared their ugly heads both near and far.
Rivka needs to uncoil the tendrils and rip off the heads of the hydra. while others hunt the underlings to take down the top and middle layers, leaving the drug trade in a shambles. That’s the plan, anyway.
Who is stepping up to help? A blast from the past, someone Rivka isn’t sure she trusts.
They’re not partners and they aren’t friends, but they have to slip into the dark alleys to find a way to the top of the mob.
Rivka goes undercover in the latest case that is certain to drive Red into an apoplectic fit.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
But a new mob, with leaders that Rivka hadn’t run across before. Decentralized control. Like rats in a station’s bilge, they reared their ugly heads both near and far.
Rivka needs to uncoil the tendrils and rip off the heads of the hydra. while others hunt the underlings to take down the top and middle layers, leaving the drug trade in a shambles. That’s the plan, anyway.
Who is stepping up to help? A blast from the past, someone Rivka isn’t sure she trusts.
They’re not partners and they aren’t friends, but they have to slip into the dark alleys to find a way to the top of the mob.
Rivka goes undercover in the latest case that is certain to drive Red into an apoplectic fit.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
113 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
330 books7,893 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 3, 2023
It's been some time since I read the previous book to this, in this wonderful series, co-written by Craig Martell, and Michael Anderle - the two authors who I totally blame for my addiction in reading everything I can lay my hands on, written by them, and all of the many amazing authors that they've co-authored with.
But, getting back to The Mob, within seconds of starting to read this brilliant book, I was totally back into the swing of reading about Rivka, and her battles for Justice!
I can't quite put my finger on why I'm so obsessed with this series, though I guess it's a combination of all the right things joining together, that makes me just want to read ever more adventures of Rivka and her assorted team members.
Reading that Rivka wasn't in her usual position of dominating the baddies, was rather intriguing, though it was no surprise to me that she smashed it, even so - even though Custer, her old beau, did everything he possibly could to ruin her plans - whether intentionally, or no.
This plot, as is usual for this series, was as fast-paced, and crazily reckless as ever but, as intended by Rivka's training of her people, intentionally in your face, whole going after the baddies, for keeps.
I absolutely loved the way that Red coped with his own unusual situation, too, and that he came back out of it, physically changed as he was, a bigger man for it!
Red quips to Rivka, towards the end of this crazy, helter-skelter of a ride into darkness, that Chaz, who needed much fixing up himself was "back to factory settings, eh, Magistrate?"
For me, this book worked in exactly the same way, as it brought the whole series into better focus for me, and prepared me for whatever is coming next because, with much delight, I saw that there's going to be yet another book in this series - Book 19: Torch the Sky!
I've already got it on pre-order, as I don't want to miss yet another amazing episode in the life of the crew of the Wyatt Earp!
Thank you Craig Martelle, and Michael Anderle, for continuing to entertain me with these amazing characters, and plotlines!
So, now that I've -sadly - finished this story, I'm popping back to Sarah Noffke's books, and her brand new Beaufont story: The Mysterious Daughter. This is book one of a new series: The Undoubtable Rose Beaufont.
I really love the Beaufonts, so am excited to have yet another generation of snarky, sassy, women to read about so, without ado, I'm off to read this, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think about her!
But, getting back to The Mob, within seconds of starting to read this brilliant book, I was totally back into the swing of reading about Rivka, and her battles for Justice!
I can't quite put my finger on why I'm so obsessed with this series, though I guess it's a combination of all the right things joining together, that makes me just want to read ever more adventures of Rivka and her assorted team members.
Reading that Rivka wasn't in her usual position of dominating the baddies, was rather intriguing, though it was no surprise to me that she smashed it, even so - even though Custer, her old beau, did everything he possibly could to ruin her plans - whether intentionally, or no.
This plot, as is usual for this series, was as fast-paced, and crazily reckless as ever but, as intended by Rivka's training of her people, intentionally in your face, whole going after the baddies, for keeps.
I absolutely loved the way that Red coped with his own unusual situation, too, and that he came back out of it, physically changed as he was, a bigger man for it!
Red quips to Rivka, towards the end of this crazy, helter-skelter of a ride into darkness, that Chaz, who needed much fixing up himself was "back to factory settings, eh, Magistrate?"
For me, this book worked in exactly the same way, as it brought the whole series into better focus for me, and prepared me for whatever is coming next because, with much delight, I saw that there's going to be yet another book in this series - Book 19: Torch the Sky!
I've already got it on pre-order, as I don't want to miss yet another amazing episode in the life of the crew of the Wyatt Earp!
Thank you Craig Martelle, and Michael Anderle, for continuing to entertain me with these amazing characters, and plotlines!
So, now that I've -sadly - finished this story, I'm popping back to Sarah Noffke's books, and her brand new Beaufont story: The Mysterious Daughter. This is book one of a new series: The Undoubtable Rose Beaufont.
I really love the Beaufonts, so am excited to have yet another generation of snarky, sassy, women to read about so, without ado, I'm off to read this, and I'll catch you on the flip side, to let you know what I think about her!
February 27, 2023
Laughter, Action and an Awesome Storyline!
Now, if you invert the order of items in that headline, you’ll get a better description of this book. However, since I finished it with a laugh (and a good one at that), “laughter” took priority here (but it does not, thankfully, “give meaning to life,” - laugh if you get the reference).
In his author’s notes, CM describes this as his favorite series and I almost agree but I think Leviathan’s series comes in as a tie. Norte ting to be disagreeable, or anything, I’m just sayin’…. I will say that I love how the frenetic pace of the story matches the frenetic speed of Rivka’s thoughts as she evaluated each situation. And the multi-layered viewpoints from the many characters who now comprise her ensemble only add to the fun.
I think CM actually said it best , himself, in the blurb for the next book. I can’t think of a better description or WARNING, for that matter, than this:
“Just lock in your seatbelt, grab your favorite drink, and be ready for your socks to be blown off.”
So ENJOY!!!
Now, if you invert the order of items in that headline, you’ll get a better description of this book. However, since I finished it with a laugh (and a good one at that), “laughter” took priority here (but it does not, thankfully, “give meaning to life,” - laugh if you get the reference).
In his author’s notes, CM describes this as his favorite series and I almost agree but I think Leviathan’s series comes in as a tie. Norte ting to be disagreeable, or anything, I’m just sayin’…. I will say that I love how the frenetic pace of the story matches the frenetic speed of Rivka’s thoughts as she evaluated each situation. And the multi-layered viewpoints from the many characters who now comprise her ensemble only add to the fun.
I think CM actually said it best , himself, in the blurb for the next book. I can’t think of a better description or WARNING, for that matter, than this:
“Just lock in your seatbelt, grab your favorite drink, and be ready for your socks to be blown off.”
So ENJOY!!!
August 24, 2023
Slow Dance
I love Rivka. I have to say that in each review. She's awesome. This case was the closest to a case of all of her adventures. She spent less time dancing to Wipeout, and instead swayed to The Way We Were. Poor Tiny aka Red, took quite a ribbing and may have learned some humility. I especially enjoyed how Rivka learned how she missed a special tradition she has fought since the beginning. As always, looking forward to the next book. Isn't it great that Craig is a book grinding machine! Of the highest quality
I love Rivka. I have to say that in each review. She's awesome. This case was the closest to a case of all of her adventures. She spent less time dancing to Wipeout, and instead swayed to The Way We Were. Poor Tiny aka Red, took quite a ribbing and may have learned some humility. I especially enjoyed how Rivka learned how she missed a special tradition she has fought since the beginning. As always, looking forward to the next book. Isn't it great that Craig is a book grinding machine! Of the highest quality
November 21, 2023
Another exceptional chapter with Rika and her crew. Always fascinating when an author has a chance to focus on the secondary but pivotal characters, to watch them grow into their own characters and see the motivations behind previous behaviours. Great stuff.
And the beginning of chapter 7 has one of the cleverest of being clever character introductions I have read in a long time. a laugh out loud moment that almost got me booted out of the quiet section on the train, lol.
thank you for another great read.
And the beginning of chapter 7 has one of the cleverest of being clever character introductions I have read in a long time. a laugh out loud moment that almost got me booted out of the quiet section on the train, lol.
thank you for another great read.
May 2, 2023
does not disappoint
Well done and well written. The characters are well developed and through this series they have become old friends. There are many books that are entertaining but there are a special few where you can become immersed into the storyline. There is sufficient detail to allow the imagination to be active without being bogged down in the minutia. The book does not disappoint.
Well done and well written. The characters are well developed and through this series they have become old friends. There are many books that are entertaining but there are a special few where you can become immersed into the storyline. There is sufficient detail to allow the imagination to be active without being bogged down in the minutia. The book does not disappoint.
February 22, 2023
No betting lines, what is happening….
Craig Martelle, genius work on a very different kind of Rivka storyline, so unexpected, but, oh so good!! Actually loved how it was so different to the other JJE books and Red, OMG, poor fella, was nice to see a different side of him but please give him back his body!!
Can’t wait to see how the next book goes.
Craig Martelle, genius work on a very different kind of Rivka storyline, so unexpected, but, oh so good!! Actually loved how it was so different to the other JJE books and Red, OMG, poor fella, was nice to see a different side of him but please give him back his body!!
Can’t wait to see how the next book goes.
March 2, 2023
great book as always
I love Rivka. These are great stories. I definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the series to get the whole back story. I love the interaction amongst the crew and others. This is the first time I recall having more than 1 magistrate on a case… or is that a mission. Anyway I digress… a wonderful book and I highly recommend.
I love Rivka. These are great stories. I definitely recommend starting at the beginning of the series to get the whole back story. I love the interaction amongst the crew and others. This is the first time I recall having more than 1 magistrate on a case… or is that a mission. Anyway I digress… a wonderful book and I highly recommend.
March 5, 2023
Outstanding as usual!
I loved this story, but then I love every book I have read by this author. Rivka went undercover this time and as per usual things did not work out as planned. However, things got done anyway. Read the book, read the series! You won't regret it. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this story, but then I love every book I have read by this author. Rivka went undercover this time and as per usual things did not work out as planned. However, things got done anyway. Read the book, read the series! You won't regret it. I highly recommend this book.
March 11, 2023
Another amazing read
Once again craig martelle did not disappoint. We got to see a different side of the crew as they were separated and had to rely on others. We got to see a side of Red that showed he is more than brute strength. I would recommend to anyone who wants a great adventure and good read
Once again craig martelle did not disappoint. We got to see a different side of the crew as they were separated and had to rely on others. We got to see a side of Red that showed he is more than brute strength. I would recommend to anyone who wants a great adventure and good read
April 9, 2023
Worth the wait
Craig Martelle has done it again but this time with a lot of twists. All of our beloved characters are put into new and challenging roles and what fun it is to watch them learn about themselves and their teammates. There is a lot more involvement of other magistrates as well. I loved it and know you will too. Enjoy!
Craig Martelle has done it again but this time with a lot of twists. All of our beloved characters are put into new and challenging roles and what fun it is to watch them learn about themselves and their teammates. There is a lot more involvement of other magistrates as well. I loved it and know you will too. Enjoy!
June 10, 2024
An extremely entertaining and enjoyable series!!!!!
Congratulation’s to Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulation’s to Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such interesting and exciting authors who not only write intelligently but also provide top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
February 26, 2023
Another good one
They keep getting better and better. And Chaz has a sense of humor, what's not to like. Nice to see another Magistrate give a perspective on Rival's particular world. Or should I say peculiar?
They keep getting better and better. And Chaz has a sense of humor, what's not to like. Nice to see another Magistrate give a perspective on Rival's particular world. Or should I say peculiar?
March 1, 2023
Different
This book was really different, still excellent, but there were multiple points of view with all the team being separate. I couldn’t put the book down, trying to keep up with all the story. Next one please.
This book was really different, still excellent, but there were multiple points of view with all the team being separate. I couldn’t put the book down, trying to keep up with all the story. Next one please.
March 2, 2023
This series interrupts everything I am doing when it arrives.
Another excellent book. If 60 more JOE'S are written I'll buy them all and ask for more. Plenty of action and room for our characters to grow.
Another excellent book. If 60 more JOE'S are written I'll buy them all and ask for more. Plenty of action and room for our characters to grow.
March 6, 2023
Another story in the Rivka series that was well worth reading
I look forward to reading any of the Authors stories, but especially those with Rivka's varied and unique group of entities.The stories are fast paced and humorous and once I start I don't want to put it down
I look forward to reading any of the Authors stories, but especially those with Rivka's varied and unique group of entities.The stories are fast paced and humorous and once I start I don't want to put it down
March 31, 2023
Another brilliant episode
Rivka and her crew tackle a case alongside another Magistrate, working from separate starting points, to resolve a galactic drug running organisation. Kicking ass and taking names all the way!
Rivka and her crew tackle a case alongside another Magistrate, working from separate starting points, to resolve a galactic drug running organisation. Kicking ass and taking names all the way!
May 17, 2023
Craig Martelle does it again!
Even the dentist helps, huh Craig? Rivka and team split forces to get the mob cleaned out. Red gets skinny, Man Candy gets a rail gun and Bad Company rides in as backup. Another exciting chapter of JJE! Keep them coming!
Even the dentist helps, huh Craig? Rivka and team split forces to get the mob cleaned out. Red gets skinny, Man Candy gets a rail gun and Bad Company rides in as backup. Another exciting chapter of JJE! Keep them coming!
August 15, 2023
Great read
I have waited for a review until I read all the books in these series so far.
Lots of action and slap stick comedy.
Well written story line that will keep you interested and wanting more. A must read for all sci-fi fans.
I have waited for a review until I read all the books in these series so far.
Lots of action and slap stick comedy.
Well written story line that will keep you interested and wanting more. A must read for all sci-fi fans.
September 3, 2023
Well delivered as usual
Another case but one with a difference as our Magistar has to go undercover without the usual backup, an idea exactly what's happening, and a change in pace, which does help this book stand out. Martelle always delivers and this is no different.
Another case but one with a difference as our Magistar has to go undercover without the usual backup, an idea exactly what's happening, and a change in pace, which does help this book stand out. Martelle always delivers and this is no different.
February 26, 2023
Scorching pace!
This one hit the ground running and then ran faster! What a humdinger of a tale, love this series xx
This one hit the ground running and then ran faster! What a humdinger of a tale, love this series xx
March 1, 2023
Undercover
Ritka goes undercover this time. Red is made smaller in the pod-doc. They are looking for the people behind the drug trade. Read and enjoy!
Ritka goes undercover this time. Red is made smaller in the pod-doc. They are looking for the people behind the drug trade. Read and enjoy!
March 6, 2023
Taking down the Mob
Rivka and her crew are back and going undercover to take down the Mob. Another great book to add to the series and as always cannot wait for the next book.
Rivka and her crew are back and going undercover to take down the Mob. Another great book to add to the series and as always cannot wait for the next book.
March 12, 2023
Didn't grab me...
as much as the rest of the series had but that is the authors fault for setting such a high standard - or i could just be having a bad day.
as much as the rest of the series had but that is the authors fault for setting such a high standard - or i could just be having a bad day.
March 29, 2023
great series
Always interesting plot and characters. It all hold together in the end. And the ending is usually a quirky surprise!
Always interesting plot and characters. It all hold together in the end. And the ending is usually a quirky surprise!
March 30, 2023
confused
Had trouble keeping track of plot lines
(hate having to write to a certain word count—- need four more words)
Had trouble keeping track of plot lines
(hate having to write to a certain word count—- need four more words)
April 29, 2023
Classic Rivka team fun
The banter, oh the banter! Chaz and Salved had some fun zingers in it this time. And a lovely story with Red on the down low.
The banter, oh the banter! Chaz and Salved had some fun zingers in it this time. And a lovely story with Red on the down low.
June 7, 2023
Omg
Omg I love these books so much I hope they don't stop coming. These authors are just so great. Each series I read they are just great.
Omg I love these books so much I hope they don't stop coming. These authors are just so great. Each series I read they are just great.
Read
June 23, 2023Great fun
I thought the example bodies were stronger? Will there be measures taken? Cole's team needs to check their gear! Hope they get their guns back!
I thought the example bodies were stronger? Will there be measures taken? Cole's team needs to check their gear! Hope they get their guns back!
September 1, 2024
Trial by fire!
It's not what you think. It's so much more! This was one of my favorite parts of this episode in the lives of Rivka & company. If you're new here go back to book one. You're welcome.
It's not what you think. It's so much more! This was one of my favorite parts of this episode in the lives of Rivka & company. If you're new here go back to book one. You're welcome.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews