The Barrister and the Letter of Marque ~ Review

The Barrister and the Letter of Marque

By Todd M. Johnson

Having read the author's previous works which were not historical fiction I was interested to see how he did in this new genre. The story overall was attention-grabbing - a ship arriving at the Port of London late at night and immediately seized for acting as pirates against a French ship. The Captain declares that he was working under a Letter of Marque provided by the Crown. Hanging or deportation to a prison colony is all that Captain Harold Tuttle can look forward to in his future and his cousin and uncle could lose everything to the debt the money they invested in the venture.

With little hope of fighting the Crown and winning, Lady Madeleine Jameson seeks to secure the skills of William Snopes a barrister whom she feels is her best chance of securing her cousin's freedom and the cargo held within the holds of her seized ship.

Since he turned his back on the home of his childhood and his father's misdeeds William Snoopes has done nothing to gain the favor of London's upper-class into ranks he was born. He never fought on their behalf once he became a barrister on his own. That is until Lady Jameson managed to appeal to his sense of justice.

Now I am in no way a historical expert so as to the historical soundness of the book I can make no statement one way or the other. But I will say I found the book to be an engaging and enjoyable experience. Political intrigue, subterfuge, mystery, murder, piracy, and a coverup and little time to prepare for their day in court. I for one would love to read another book starring Barrister William Snopes.

I enjoyed this book with both a paperback and the audible version. The narration by Samuel Roukin was excellent and highly recommended. Perfect for your commute or as a companion to your daily chores. The audio pacing didn't drag and the various major characters were presented so that they were identifiable. 

I received a complimentary copy of the paperback book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion  ~ All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he's a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.

In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter--the sole proof his actions were legal--has mysteriously vanished.

Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.

Lethal Intent ~ Review

Lethal Intent

By Cara Putman

This book features several of the characters from The Hidden Justice series, so I'm assuming it is, if not part of the numbered series, a companion book that continues following the lives of lawyers who call the D.C. area home.

In this book, we get to know Caroline Bragg, who has just started a new job as legal counsel for Praecursoria, where she is tasked with keeping the company on the right side of the law as they develop new genetic therapies. But the drive to save kids who are succumbing to cancer can be a powerful temptation to cross the line.

Brandon Lancaster has been Caroline's best friend for years and she admires his dedication to providing a home to foster children who otherwise would lose contact with their siblings. When one of his foster kids starts to lose her battle to the cancer wracking her body, Brandon will do all in his power to help her fight it. And Praecursoria's newest trail offers hope that Brandon has been looking for. 

When Praecursoria has a rash of tragic events occur within a short period of time, Caroline has some suspicions but no way to prove them. Is someone out to damage Praecuroria or is it just a coincidence what has been happening? Can she protect the company and Brandon while keeping the confidence the law requires? 

Lethal Intent is a legal romantic suspense that will keep you guessing as to who is doing what. We are shown glimpses of the person working against Preacursoria but not enough to discern their identity. Who is the killer's next target? Caroline needs to walk carefully if she hopes to outwit an opponent who seems to be waiting for her next move. Another good read that is not to be missed.

I found some of the background information that all the science that was going into the treatments being developed/ Some of it is a bit beyond what I remember from High School science but it all has a plausible feel to it.  I found this to be an easy read that is the perfect choice for a long weekend. You won't regret reading this one.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion ~ All thoughts expressed are my own

About the Book:

If they expected silence, they hired the wrong woman. 

Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home. 

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda? 

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her? 

This latest romantic legal thriller by bestseller Cara Putman shines a light on the shadowy world of scientific secrets and corporate vendettas—and the ethical dilemmas that plague the place where science and commerce meet.

Breach of Trust ~ Review

Breach of Trust
Atlanta Justice #3
By Rachel Dylan

Mia Shaw has just lost one of her best friends to a brutal act of violence and she is determined that the guilty party pays for what he has done. There is just one problem Noah Ramirez doesn't believe that his friend is guilty of the crime and he will do what is necessary to find the evidence to prove David McDonald innocent. The first step is getting Mia to have an open mind to the possibility that the wrong man is being charged.

Chase Jackson was Mia's friend and she can't understand why anyone would kill him. And when she is asked to take over the case he was working on at the time of his death she can think of no better way to honor him. But things aren't adding up in the case and something more is going on behind the scenes than it appears. But getting to the truth may find Mia facing a fate similar to Chase's. Can Noah help keep her safe, clear his friend, and help Mia discover the truth of Chase's case before it is too late?

Breach of Trust is the third book in the Atlanta Justice series and it is just as page-turning as the previous two books. If you have not yet read the other books that is fine as this book can easily be read as a standalone title. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing to who the guilty party is and there are plenty of potential suspects. And I will admit that the identity of the killer with definitely well hidden until it was revealed. If you are a fan of romantic suspense but want something a bit longer than Love Inspired Suspense this is perfect for you. Sit back and get caught up in a case that will keep you reading well into the night.

About the Book:

When an Open-and-Shut Murder Case Gets Complicated,

Can She Overcome Her Need for Justice?

Corporate litigator Mia Shaw suffers the shock of her life when she finds her colleague and friend brutally murdered. Grief-stricken and furious, Mia vows that she will do anything to make the killer pay.

The man accused of the murder is a friend of security tech guru Noah Ramirez, but the evidence just doesn't add up. To save his former ATF partner, Noah needs to convince Mia that the real killer is still on the loose.

Mia soon has more to worry about than the criminal prosecution. She is tasked with taking over her friend's last case and learns he was hiding dark secrets about his client. She thinks she may have stumbled upon corporate espionage that has turned deadly, but she has no idea of the danger involved. Her only ally is Noah, despite their difference of opinion about the killer's identity. Can Noah win Mia over to his side and protect her from ever-growing threats?

Flight Risk ~ Review

Flight Risk
Cara Putman

Savannah Daniels is a successful lawyer who has worked hard to make a name for her practice. The one failure that has broken her is her marriage that failed, a marriage that she never wanted to leave. But 9/11, work, and betrayal brought it down. The only good thing she got out of it was Addy Jo, a niece that she loves and who needs her when life at home just gets to tough.

When Savannah's ex, Dustin Tate, becomes the feature of an exposé, she has to wonder if she ever truly knew him. But regardless she'll be there for her niece. When Dustin and one of the others named in the exposé are on an outgoing flight that crashes Savannah finds herself having to deal with Dustin face-to-face for Addy's sake. Dustin claims that he has evidence that the allegations against him are false. 

Jett Glover is committed to the truth and he puts in the research behind every story he puts his name to. He stands behind the exposé he wrote. After all, he'd never want to put someone through what he went through when his father was the victim of a false newspaper report. But when those named in the exposé start dying he fears that his story may behind it.

Savannah's current case is soon entangled with the downed plane and Jett's exposé but trust isn't something she is willing to give after Dustin's betrayal. But someone seems to be targeting her too so working together to get to the truth is something she has to do.

Now I can't see anywhere that this book is part of the Hidden Justice series but it seems to go with as most of the same main characters from the other books are in this book (working with Savannah in her practice). This book can easily be read on its own as the story is contained within the covers but if you want to read it as if it is part of the series it would be book 4 chronologically. This book has a good dose of mystery and legal suspense with a medium-sized pinch of romance. If you are familiar with Cara Putman's previous works you will not be disappointed in this one. Also, it was interesting to get a glimpse into Savannah Daniels's life as she has been a background character in the first three Hidden Justice books. Overall a good read perfect for a weekend escape from the comfort of your favorite reading corner.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher via The First Editions with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Author:

Cara Putman is the author of more than twenty-five legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at sixteen, college at twenty, completed her law degree at twenty-seven, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

Connect with Cara

Justice Delayed ~ Review

Delayed Justice
Hidden Justice #3
By Cara Putman

Jaime Nichols has lived with the memories and the nightmares for twenty years but she is now strong enough to seek justice against the person who broke her trust. This will not be an easy fight to win against someone as powerful as he is. But Jaime needs to do this - to be a voice for others who were without a voice as she was.

Chandler Bolton, a veteran, who has suffered from the scars from his own service works with other veterans who are in need of counseling. When a young victim who needs the special comfort skills of his dog Aslan, Chandler finds himself helping Tiffany work through her trauma. A victim that Jaime is asked to help, due to her personal insights into what Tiffany is dealing with. But working with someone like Chandler is something Jaime isn't sure she can do especially with the upheaval she is experiencing in both her personal and professional lives.

As Jaime confronts the past she hopes to find healing but the healing she seeks might come from an altogether different source. Her friends have been praying for her and now Chandler has added his own for her. Could God have been there all along? Or is He as distant as she always assumed? The answers to her questions will determine the future course of her life.

Each book in the Hidden Justice series can be read as a standalone book with each book focusing on different characters. Difficult issues are covered and each could be taken right from the headlines of current news events and Justice Delayed is no exception. The book does not get into the nitty-gritty ugly details leaving that to the reader's own imagination (or not). The issues covered are childhood abuse and PTSD. This is not a book to read if you want fluff but it is an excellently written work that I would recommend if you are looking for a book that offers some depth to it.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Thomas Nelson through their blogger program with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion ~ all opinions offered are my own.


About the Book:

She had long given up the desire to be loved. 

Now she only needed to be heard.

Jaime Nichols went to law school to find the voice she never had as a child, and her determination to protect girls and women in the path of harm drives her in ways both spoken and unspoken. As Jaime, now a criminal defense attorney, prepares to press charges against someone who wronged her long ago, she must face not only her demons but also the unimaginable forces that protect the powerful man who tore her childhood apart.

Chandler Bolton, a retired veteran, is tasked with helping a young victim who must testify in court—and along with his therapy dog, Aslan, he’s up for the task. When he first meets Jaime, all brains, beauty, and brashness, he can’t help but be intrigued. As Chandler works to break through the wall Jaime has built around herself, the two of them discover that they may have more to offer one another than they ever could have guessed—and that together, they may be able to help this endangered child.

This thrilling installment of the Hidden Justice series explores the healing power of resolution and the weight of words given voice. And as Jaime pursues delayed justice of her own, she unearths eternal truths that will change the course of her life.

Lone Witness ~ Review

Lone Witness
Atlanta Justice #2
By Rachel Dylan

Working as a prosecutor for the Fulton County District Attorney's office is Sophie Dawson's passion. She is determined to get justice for those who need it. And her current case seems relatively straightforward - a local bank employee has been cheating his customers and pocketing the extras into his own pocket. The bank's CEO wants a quick settlement to cap any unwanted negative PR but Sophie wants to work through her case before she agrees to a pretrial settlement/plea bargain.

When Sophie is the lone witness to a brutal double homicide she's just found herself in a whole new world, so to speak. She's on the other side of the table as a witness to the prosecution. Worse the person she identified as the killer is the younger brother to the head of Atlanta's biggest gang. So not only is she the key witness she is now target number one to a man not known for his warm cuddly side.

Determined to keep his only daughter safe Randall Dawson hires Cooper Knight of K&R Security to keep Sophie safe. But as the danger to Sophie increases Cooper has to use all of his skills as well as those of his partners to keep her alive. And he needs to keep his emotions in check because for some reason Sophie manages to get past the wall he's erected around his heart - one due to his own pain-filled past.

I liked Lone Witness, which is the second book in the Atlanta Justice series, especially as it got into the book just a touch. Having not read the first book I had no problem getting this one as it appears that a different pair of characters takes center stage in Deadly Proof. While Sophie and Cooper are the main characters we are also introduced to several other characters who play key roles. There is Ashley Murphy a defense lawyer who seems to have no qualms about representing the worst of the worst as long as they have the money. Patrick Hunt a Deputy Chief ADA from Dekalb County is called in to prosecute to avoid any conflict of interest charges. Then there is Whitney Bowman CEO of SIB whose bank has come under Sophie's scrutiny in her investigation. And finally Juan Wade the protective big brother who is willing to do whatever it takes to keep his brother out of prison. The various interactions between these and other key characters keeps the reader in suspense as to the outcome of both cases and the longevity of various persons.

This book deals with the legal system but won't bog the reader down in a lot of confusing legalese jargon. There a definite suspense element and a few unexpected surprises that will keep the reader turning the pages. Those who like an element of romance in their reading there is definitely romance to keep you happy. Overall the book is a well-blended work that an enjoyable escape from the summer extremes.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House through their blogger program with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

She's the Only Witness to a Brutal Crime. 

Now She Can't Outrun the Target on Her Back.

Prosecutor Sophie Dawson has taken a new role at the Fulton County DA's office, and her first case involves a local bank employee who may be cheating customers. She's determined to bring justice to those who've lost their savings . . . but her life is turned upside down when she becomes the only witness to a double homicide involving a vengeful gang.

With her life at risk, friends and family convince her that she needs protection, and private security guard Cooper Knight is hired as a bodyguard. But as threats escalate, neither Cooper nor Sophie knows whom they can trust.

Unwilling to back down on either case, Sophie pursues the truth at any cost. But her bank litigation gets more complicated by the day, and the gang will stop at nothing to keep her from taking the stand. With all sides closing in, steadfast Cooper is the only man she can lean on. But drawing close may be the distraction that costs both of their lives.

Imperfect Justice ~ Review

Imperfect Justice
Hidden Justice #2
By Cara Putman

Kaylene Adams was so close to escaping the situation she found herself in and with the help of Emilie Wesley she would get the security she sought. But something went wrong and Kaylene is making the news as the woman who took her own life and that of one of her daughters. Her youngest daughter in the hospital recovering from her own gunshot wound.

Emilie can't believe that the police have the whole story but she has no proof. And her knowledge of Kaylene isn't enough for the police and she has been ordered by her boss to let this go and focus on the clients that they can still help.

But Emilie can't let it go and when Kaylene's brother Reid Billings asks for her help in fulfilling Kaylene's final request of him she has a reason to pursue justice. But can they find enough evidence to have Kinley removed from her father's custody and placed with an uncle? With time against them, they are determined to do all they can. And proving that Robert Adams isn't the broken-hearted father that he is presenting to watching world isn't going to be easy.

But Emilie has a problem that those around her think is just paranoia from a traumatic accident earlier in the year. But Emilie is sure she has a stalker and in her line of work that is a distinct possibility. The only question is it a former client or the ex of a client? Can she stay two steps ahead long enough to determine who is shadowing her? Or will she become a victim too?

This is the second book in the Hidden Justice series and this book is just as good a read as the first. The high-stakes legal cases that are being pursued are ones that have a personal investment involved in them as these lawyers fight with their heart. The story has an intensity that builds as everything Emilie is dealing with comes together right at the end. And believe me when I say it could go either way. If you like good fiction or legal thrillers this is one book you can't skip. Haven't read the first book Beyond Justice? That's okay this book is easy to get into and the main characters are different though they are in both books. And when you finish one you can start in on the other one.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers but there was no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

The police say the woman was a murderer. 

Emilie Wesley knows they can't be talking about 

her client . . . can they.

To the world it seems obvious: Kaylene Adams snapped and killed her daughter and then was shot by police. However, attorney Emilie Wesley knows a different story. Kaylene was a nurturer at heart looking for a way out of a controlling, abusive marriage. Kaylene's death shakes Emilie's world and her belief that she can make a difference for these women. Self-doubt plagues her, and she finds herself struggling to continue her work in the wake of tragedy.

Reid Billings thought he knew his sister—right up until he learned of the manner of her death. He receives a letter from Kaylene begging him to fight for custody of her daughters if anything should happen to her. No attorney in her right mind would take on his case, but Kaylene's letter claims Emilie Wesley will help him.

Thrown together in the race to save Kinley Adams from a father who isn't all that he seems, Emily and Reid pursue the constantly evasive truth. But if they can hang on to hope together, maybe they can save Kinley—and find a future for themselves in the process.

Fatal Trust ~ Review

Fatal Trust
By Todd M. Johnson

Following his father's death, Ian Wells took over his father's portion of the law practice. But his portion of the practice isn't doing as well as Ian had hoped. And caring for his mother who is suffering from Alzheimer's has added an additional strain to his growing pile of bills and worry. So when an unexpected case is offered, one where he must determine where the three beneficiaries meet all the qualifications, he accepts the case.

Ian agreed to take on this unusual case because of the payout, one that could end many of his current financial difficulties. But the deeper he digs, the more concerned he becomes at what he is discovering. And even more disturbing are the questions he is uncovering. And with time at a premium - one week to decide who is worthy of a share of nine million dollars he suddenly finds himself moving, not so slowly, to center-stage of a criminal investigation.

With time ticking down Ian needs to uncover the truth about the trust he has been charged with handling before it is too late. If he doesn't discover the secret that someone has been hiding for years this could be his last case ever.

Todd Johnson has created a page-turning mystery that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the suspense and danger steadily rises. Ian is a likable character whom one is rooting for throughout as he comes across the unexpected and deals his own past. This is a mystery where what you know could be as dangerous as what you don't know and Ian is caught between both.

I highly recommend this book to fans of legal thrillers. Having read Todd Johnson in the past I knew I would not be disappointed and my expectations were exceeded in every way. The story opens at the climax before taking the reader to a point 20 years in the past to an incident that seems unrelated to the story and yet has a bearing that is only fully understood when the climax is again reached. The motivations and layers that are revealed as the story unfolds in no way hints at what is to come so that the mystery is not given away early.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Bethany House through their blogger program with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.



About the Book:

A Simple Job. 

An Unbelievable Payout. 

But in Risking It All On Blind Trust, 

He May Just Lose Everything . . .

Ian Wells is a young, ambitious Minneapolis attorney struggling to build up a law practice while caring for a mother with Alzheimer's. As the stress and bills mount, Ian is nearing the breaking point when everything changes with a single new case. All Ian must do, the client demands, is judge whether three men qualify for nine million dollars of trust funds soon to be paid out by determining whether they've been involved in any criminal activity for the past twenty years. Ian's fee for a week's work: the unfathomable sum of two hundred thousand dollars.

The job seems too good to be true, and Ian wants to turn the offer down, but his needs weigh more heavily. He warily accepts the job--but is quickly dragged deep into a mystery linking the trust money to an illegal enterprise dating back to Prohibition and the greatest unsolved crime in Minnesota history. Ian soon finds himself the target of a swiftly tightening criminal investigation--realizing too late that this so-called simple job has spun out of control and now threatens his career, his future, and his life.

Beyond Justice ~ Review

Beyond Justice
By Cara Putman

Hayden McCarthy is all about doing her job and doing it well. She doesn't have time for a personal life at the moment as her focus has to be her job if she's to make partner at Elliott and Johnson and be the youngest to do so. When Hayden is given a case that could make or break her career she determines to bring this case before a judge and win justice for her client - the mother of a young man murdered while in US custody.

This case doesn't fit any particular mold making it a challenge. Add to that her client's obvious reluctance and fear and Hayden knows more is at stake than she first imagined. And time is short as the evidence trail will soon vanish if she doesn't act. But someone seems intent on ending her case and anyone connected to it is in danger.

But who is trying to end this case? Is it someone in the US government or someone with far-reaching power who is pulling strings he should never have had access to?

Thanks to her roommate Emily, Hayden has another distraction in her life - Emily seems intent on playing matchmaker between Hayden and her cousin Andrew Wesley.  And Emily seems purposefully oblivious to the fact that Andrew and Hayden aren't keen on her attempts. But when Hayden's case seemingly has links to Andrew's work this case and their non-relationship are about take an unexpected twist.

Looking for a legal thriller to read Beyond Justice is worth giving a try.  This was my first time reading any of Cara Putman's work and it was well worth the time spent perusing the pages.  Fans of Randy Singer and Robert Whitlow will enjoy Cara Putman's work and attention to details.  I personally look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook with no expectations of a positive review.  All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Hayden McCarthy is on track to become the youngest partner in her prestigious D.C. law firm . . . if the case she's just been handed doesn't destroy her first.

Hayden McCarthy knows firsthand the pain when justice is not served. It's why she became an attorney and why she's so driven in her career. When she's assigned a wrongful death case against the government, she isn't sure if it's the lucky break she needs to secure a partnership—or an attempt to make sure she never gets there.

Further complicating matters is Andrew, her roommate’s distractingly attractive cousin. But Andrew’s father is a Congressman, and Hayden's currently taking on the government. Could the timing be any worse?

The longer she keeps the case active, the higher the stakes become. Unknown enemies seem determined to kill the case—or her. Logic and self-preservation would indicate she should close the case. But how can she, when justice is still just beyond her reach?

"Cara Putman's expert legal mind shines in Beyond Justice as she weaves a gripping, suspenseful tale of intrigue that takes on one of the hardest issues of our time. Hayden McCarthy is one feisty heroine that doesn't let anything get between her and the truth." —Jordyn Redwood, author of the Bloodline Trilogy and Fractured Memory