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The Cleary Case Files #1
First, Kill All The Lawyers
It’s true what Shakespeare wrote about killing lawyers being a good start. At least that’s what Sgt. Edward Pulaski secretly believes when attorneys start popping up dead all over Washington, D.C. in the thriller, First, Kill All The Lawyers. If reporters could be next on the hit list all his dreams would be fulfilled. An obscure poison, no suspects, and no forensic evidence hinder the investigation until a federal judge is the target and Pulaski’s friend, FBI agent Shawn Cleary, joins the task force. Shawn, fresh from a shootout that may leave her partner a quadriplegic, throws herself into the investigation to assuage her guilt and stop the horrible flashbacks of the event. As the body count rises and crosses state lines, lawyers from across the country begin to panic and demand action. Patterns emerge as pieces of the puzzle begin to come together. The breakneck pace accelerates until Sgt. Pulaski reluctantly realizes all the clues lead to Shawn Cleary as the main suspect. She does nothing to dampen his suspicions when she flees instead of turning herself in. Worlds collide when powerful people in Washington seem more interested in a shoot to kill order than capturing Shawn alive. Pulaski is torn when Shawn calls him professing her innocence. Working both inside and outside the system, Pulaski and Shawn continue to connect all the dots until the killer’s next move becomes obvious. Aware her life hangs in the balance, Shawn tells Pulaski she is determined to save someone she loves and capture the killer before he gets away. Pulaski must choose between trusting a friend and doing what his bosses want. As Shawn races to the historic theater where the climax awaits, she prays she can make it in time while Pulaski wonders if he made the right choice.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2010
197 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Patricia M. Clark
7 books11 followersPatricia Clark combined her thirty-year background in the nursing field and her interest in the effects of micro-organisms to craft her medical thriller, The Jekyll Island Club. She began writing in 1995. Pat lives with her husband and three children in a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 24, 2015
I have mixed feelings about this novel.
I’m not a fan of serial killer novels but the main plot in this one – someone killing lawyers in Washington, DC and elsewhere – is interesting. And the first part of the book is a very realistic portrayal of how an investigation plays out in the real world.
But a key element of the plot – main character Shawn Cleary being forced to go on the run after she’s accused of those murders – comes almost 60% into the book, which is way too late. It also makes that forepart of the book a bit draggy as I kept waiting for that to happen.
Clark provides several twists throughout the second half of the story including one big one. She set the stage earlier so the reader didn’t wonder, ‘Where did that come from?’
Clark built the tension several places throughout the book but never put her main character in the serious danger such tension should lead to – not when Shawn was on the run nor at the climax. Both it and the resolution of this story were weak and a letdown for a crime novel. In truth, there was no real resolution, just an ending. And the romance sub-plot wasn’t that strong either. As a result, this story never landed firmly in the romance or mystery genre but wobbled lamely between the two.
The synopsis here on Goodreads didn’t quite match up with the actual story. In this case, it didn’t irritate me (as other mis-matches have) but it was misleading and disappointing as the story did not deliver what the synopsis promised.
I doubt I’ll read more books in this series unless they fall into my hands.
I’m not a fan of serial killer novels but the main plot in this one – someone killing lawyers in Washington, DC and elsewhere – is interesting. And the first part of the book is a very realistic portrayal of how an investigation plays out in the real world.
But a key element of the plot – main character Shawn Cleary being forced to go on the run after she’s accused of those murders – comes almost 60% into the book, which is way too late. It also makes that forepart of the book a bit draggy as I kept waiting for that to happen.
Clark provides several twists throughout the second half of the story including one big one. She set the stage earlier so the reader didn’t wonder, ‘Where did that come from?’
Clark built the tension several places throughout the book but never put her main character in the serious danger such tension should lead to – not when Shawn was on the run nor at the climax. Both it and the resolution of this story were weak and a letdown for a crime novel. In truth, there was no real resolution, just an ending. And the romance sub-plot wasn’t that strong either. As a result, this story never landed firmly in the romance or mystery genre but wobbled lamely between the two.
The synopsis here on Goodreads didn’t quite match up with the actual story. In this case, it didn’t irritate me (as other mis-matches have) but it was misleading and disappointing as the story did not deliver what the synopsis promised.
I doubt I’ll read more books in this series unless they fall into my hands.
August 22, 2015
Very highly recommended.
I hadn't read anything by Patricia Clark before. I just stumbled on her while browsing and my eyes caught the title. As a retired person of the legal profession I had to see what was new under the old, but well used line. I wish to say that the characters are fully rounded, interesting and hold their own, the plot is complex and deliciously twisted. You try to figure it out but, like me, you probably won't. I was interested in a couple of pages and seriously hooked in a chapter. I normally don't like what seems to be an incomplete resolution and would have appreciated a longer book to accomplish that. However, this is a wonderful read and I go willingly onto book two so I can continue this addicting read. You'll see what I mean. Enjoy!
I hadn't read anything by Patricia Clark before. I just stumbled on her while browsing and my eyes caught the title. As a retired person of the legal profession I had to see what was new under the old, but well used line. I wish to say that the characters are fully rounded, interesting and hold their own, the plot is complex and deliciously twisted. You try to figure it out but, like me, you probably won't. I was interested in a couple of pages and seriously hooked in a chapter. I normally don't like what seems to be an incomplete resolution and would have appreciated a longer book to accomplish that. However, this is a wonderful read and I go willingly onto book two so I can continue this addicting read. You'll see what I mean. Enjoy!
October 4, 2018
Why haven't I read this already?
This book has been on my Kindle for ages. Of course I wanted to read it, but my TBR stash is high and deep.
Shawn Cleary is an FBI agent whose long-time partner was shot and disabled when the convenience store he was in while off duty was robbed. Now she must work without his experience and knowledge.
A new brand of serial killer is working in the D.C. area. He injects his victims with a mixture of aconite and potassium chloride. Once it becomes apparent that his victims are lawyers, the search is on to identify the killer, dubbed Wolf's Bane by the media.
11
This book has been on my Kindle for ages. Of course I wanted to read it, but my TBR stash is high and deep.
Shawn Cleary is an FBI agent whose long-time partner was shot and disabled when the convenience store he was in while off duty was robbed. Now she must work without his experience and knowledge.
A new brand of serial killer is working in the D.C. area. He injects his victims with a mixture of aconite and potassium chloride. Once it becomes apparent that his victims are lawyers, the search is on to identify the killer, dubbed Wolf's Bane by the media.
11
June 9, 2018
This is a real thriller! Lawyers are being killed all over the country, but mostly in Washington, DC. The killer is injecting potassium and actinide in the thigh of most of the victims. FBI agent Shawn Cleary is brought into the case along with her brother Michael and others at the FBI. It soon appears that someone in the FBI is involved in the killings because emails are coming from there. The killer calls a new reporter to come to each of his killings and she gets there before the police scaring the populace. Shown meets a popular singer and they become close as the case gets worse. Soon, Shawn is the main suspect. She goes into hiding, helped by her friend, his uncle, and her brother. The killer is now aiming for Shawn's father and her new singer friend. Can Shawn clear herself and save her loved one as the killer is getting closer and closer?
July 27, 2020
Entertaining tale - but first in a series so the story is not complete. The FBI is the home of the main characters so it's a variation on the police/detective theme. The depth of hatred in the villain is not well developed so there may be more of the back story in the next book. The characters are interesting but not much development - again, perhaps due to the series.
December 3, 2017
Great read
I always enjoy Patricia Clark's with. This one keeps you guessing to the very end. I'm ready to jump into the next book of the series
I always enjoy Patricia Clark's with. This one keeps you guessing to the very end. I'm ready to jump into the next book of the series
March 10, 2018
Good Mystery Keeps you Guessing!
Good plot and characters with a surprising twist that keeps you guessing. I'll read this author again! Hope Nick Wade is in the next book.
Good plot and characters with a surprising twist that keeps you guessing. I'll read this author again! Hope Nick Wade is in the next book.
December 8, 2018
I do not like books that do not end!
October 9, 2019
Pitiful ending
I truly dislike books that don't end. This one is just a common for the next book in the series.
I truly dislike books that don't end. This one is just a common for the next book in the series.
July 12, 2018
Okay
I don't think I completed the book. What ever happened I could not get the book opened after reading about 5 chapters.
I don't think I completed the book. What ever happened I could not get the book opened after reading about 5 chapters.
May 25, 2014
Not keen on this at all and packed it up and deleted at 21%.It was a pretty tricky read because the author uses paragraph breaks at least 3 or 4 times on every page whether needed or not. Usually I make mention of not enough being used but in this case it's way too many. Fair enough to use them when you're jumping to another place or day but not when the scene is in the same room !! Seemed a very odd thing to do unless she had a quota of space to fill, perhaps. Then at times it would suddenly jump to another state and time with no new chapter or anything. I found it a real irritation.
I was at a loss as to why Shawn was a minority candidate for the FBI unless it still meant because she's a woman. It wasn't elaborated upon. Twice she used gunmen instead of gunman,then past instead of passed and insure and not ensure. Then there was a missing fullstop.
I gave up for good when Shawn and a colleague went to a victim's home and the nosey neighbour appeared and they straightaway said they were FBI agents. I didn't believe that would happen. They're investigating a murder and wouldn't be sharing with the neighbourhood !
I was at a loss as to why Shawn was a minority candidate for the FBI unless it still meant because she's a woman. It wasn't elaborated upon. Twice she used gunmen instead of gunman,then past instead of passed and insure and not ensure. Then there was a missing fullstop.
I gave up for good when Shawn and a colleague went to a victim's home and the nosey neighbour appeared and they straightaway said they were FBI agents. I didn't believe that would happen. They're investigating a murder and wouldn't be sharing with the neighbourhood !
January 28, 2017
I am struggling a little bit on what I want to say about this book. My opinion is somewhat mixed. I can give it high marks for its cat-and-mouse game with life in the balance all the way through the book from beginning to end. The perpetrator stays at least one step ahead of the law, including in its ending twist. It is well written, making it an easy and fun read—also high marks. However, I was able to zero in on the perp well in advance of the professional investigators. I am not sure if that was the author’s intent or not. In spite of all the positive elements, I don’t have the connection to the story or the characters nudge me to grab the next book in the series.
Nevertheless, I recommend this book for those who enjoy fiction with a little suspense and mystery mixed with humor.
Nevertheless, I recommend this book for those who enjoy fiction with a little suspense and mystery mixed with humor.
May 23, 2014
Another enjoyable read
A lawyer story with a twist...it's not all courtroom drama...but there is drama. Light quick read.
Aside: As with all the books I have thus far read, I really do wish that proof reading and editng were done more conscientiously. Not only do I find this annoying, but character references are often not accurate, or clothing from minute to minute can be different...oddly while driving. Just an observation, Albeit, annoying.
A lawyer story with a twist...it's not all courtroom drama...but there is drama. Light quick read.
Aside: As with all the books I have thus far read, I really do wish that proof reading and editng were done more conscientiously. Not only do I find this annoying, but character references are often not accurate, or clothing from minute to minute can be different...oddly while driving. Just an observation, Albeit, annoying.
July 18, 2015
First, Kill All The Lawyers
This was a good story! Someone is killing a bunch of lawyer and others who have anything to do with the legal profession for reason, at first, only the killer knows. It's up to Shawn Cleary and her brother, Matthew, to figure it out. Very interesting read!
This was a good story! Someone is killing a bunch of lawyer and others who have anything to do with the legal profession for reason, at first, only the killer knows. It's up to Shawn Cleary and her brother, Matthew, to figure it out. Very interesting read!
June 4, 2012
It was ok but I figured out who the killer was way too early so I was bored by the last half of the book. I read these kind of books a lot so those who don't might not figure it out so soon and may enjoy it.
March 19, 2013
IT WASN'T A BAD BOOK BUT SOOOO! SLOW. I WISH THE ROMANCE HAD BEEN MORE DETAILED. I DID FIGURE OUT WHO THE KILLER WAS AT ABOUT 15% OF THE BOOK. I DON'T KNOW IF I WILL READ THE NEXT ONE BECAUSE IT DID CLIFF HANG US. LIKE I SAID NOT A BAD BOOK BUT JUST SEEMED SOMETHING WAS MISSING.
March 14, 2014
The plot moves slowly. This may be due to the fact that I figured out who the killer was but was at a loss as to how he was getting it all done. Also, the book just kind if ends with out really clearing up all the issues. I give it 4 stars as I did enjoy the book overall.
June 20, 2014
As good as the title
As good as the title
exciting edge of your seat reading. great characters and story lines. full of surprises until the very end. glad to recommend.
As good as the title
exciting edge of your seat reading. great characters and story lines. full of surprises until the very end. glad to recommend.
February 6, 2015
Amazing
From beginning to the end hard to put down suspenseful articulate a just plain amazing and compelling to read. The people and situations could not have been better. Her imagination has no bounds. I am in respect and awe of this writer.
From beginning to the end hard to put down suspenseful articulate a just plain amazing and compelling to read. The people and situations could not have been better. Her imagination has no bounds. I am in respect and awe of this writer.
April 22, 2015
Lots of action, but since I figured out whodunit fairly early, I found it annoying how stupid the FBI agents were. I know this is the 1st book of a series, so I excused the author for leaving loose threads at the end of this book.
June 11, 2015
To predictable
This book followed every guideline for predictability. Girl with great job falls for perfect guy that happens to be famous. The book just went on and on and on. Skipped most of last chapters
This book followed every guideline for predictability. Girl with great job falls for perfect guy that happens to be famous. The book just went on and on and on. Skipped most of last chapters
May 23, 2012
Good at times, but a little too long and left unresolved at the end.
June 15, 2012
This was not a book I could not put down so I would rate it "An OK read, but not all that suspenseful".
Read
September 4, 2012Excellent! A real page turner, suspenseful, and intense. Looking forward to reading the other two in this series, wondering if they have anything to do with each other...
March 27, 2013
Somewhat interesting for the way the killing spree takes hold of the killer, but more than a little unbelievable by the end.
June 17, 2014
It was an ok read but not one of my favorites. Kind of drawn out and slow moving at times. I just really had a hard time getting into the story line and believing it..
February 20, 2015
It starts out a little slow but it turned out to be pretty good. It is the first of a trilogy.
March 2, 2015
OK Read
Knew who dunnit by the end of the first 10 percent of the book. Ending was weak. It I guess that was to leave room for a sequel.
Knew who dunnit by the end of the first 10 percent of the book. Ending was weak. It I guess that was to leave room for a sequel.
August 5, 2016
Good mystery, was pretty proud of myself, figured out who the bad guy was, the story filled in the details. Currently reading book 2 in the series.
September 2, 2015
Poorly edited
Almost quit several times and the end was awful. Don't waste your money, this one disappoints. Editing is bad as well.
Almost quit several times and the end was awful. Don't waste your money, this one disappoints. Editing is bad as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews