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488th out of 738 books
—
1,608 voters
Just Deceits
by
Michael Schein (Goodreads Author)
In 1793, the most powerful family in Virginia found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful and impetuous Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Based on actual events, Just Deceits tells the story of the Trial of the Century – the 18th Century – as the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitio...more
Paperback, 328 pages
Published
September 15th 2008
by Bennett & Hastings Publishing
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293)
Nov 09, 2008
Julene
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
history buffs, mystery buff, poets and everyone, seriously, everyone!
Recommended to Julene by:
Michael Schein
Shelves:
fiction
First time author Michael Schein ties up a story that has no answers. He writes what is a true story of a Southern American family into a compelling fiction. No one knows the truth, but this author comes as close to it as anyone could possibly speculate in this intriguing historical case of one of our own American families. A lawyer who writes well, Michael Schein captivates the reader into this courtroom trail of the Randolphs, and the two American patriarchs, Patrick Henry and John Marshall wh...more
For first time novelist, Michael Schein, I say Bravo! I do love a mystery and historical story, this has both. There were times I did get confused with who was who and wanted to move on, and then if I did, had to go back and find where I missed a clue. The story takes place in the 16yh century in the very young USA. The characters are well developed and I felt I was back in the period of the history the story takes place. It felt black, grey and brown. The historical picture is set vividly.
The...more
The...more
This is a well-written book about characters you know already if you've read about America in the early 1800s. Patrick Henry is central as is John Marshall. One of Thomas Jefferson's daughters makes an appearance.
Schein took an obscure murder case of the period and turned it into a mystery novel. I would have given it five stars if he had fleshed out his characters more. I felt that too many of them were more caricatures than characters. Two slaves, central to the plot, especially get short shr...more
Schein took an obscure murder case of the period and turned it into a mystery novel. I would have given it five stars if he had fleshed out his characters more. I felt that too many of them were more caricatures than characters. Two slaves, central to the plot, especially get short shr...more
I found the characters difficult to like or respect. Mr. Villain was really a first degree villain. The suffering and embittered wives, one in particular was just too, too much so. John Marshall as himself was a little better, same for Patrick Henry, also the prosecuting side. The father of the two most prominent women in the case was simply incredible! And the amount of respect for "his cute ways" is really disgusting. In the case itself, someone really made hay by disseminating false informati...more
Aug 19, 2008
Michael Schein
rated it
5 of 5 stars
· (Review from the author)
Recommends it for:
Lovers of historical fiction, mysteries, or page-turners that stimulate the mind.
In 1793, the most powerful family in Virginia found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful and impetuous Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Based on actual events, Just Deceits tells the story of the Trial of the Century – the 18th Century – as the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitious John Marshall battled each other, their clients, family intrigue, the prosecution, and the truth itself, trying to save th...more
A mystery, centered on mid-eighteenth century America (the country may be the United States, but the states are far from united), featuring names from your history lessons acting like themselves. I especially liked the fact that John Marshall is the main character -- he did so much for this country, but you don't hear about him much (unless you majored in government in college) -- with Patrick Henry as a sidekick in the courtroom. Then you add the actual mystery. Wow!
I'm not usually drawn to historical fiction. But this story grabbed me. In addition to writing a compelling mystery that leaves readers guessing to the very end, the author shines the spotlight on a time not so long ago when women could be given the death sentence for seeking an abortion and witch hunts were commonplace. Just Deceits is a fascinating, well-told story and I recommend it to anyone looking to lose themselves in a good book.
Well-written and enjoyable historical legal drama. This has been one of the very few "free for Kindle" books I've found that actually has some depth and meat. The writing is quite good. The character and setting were both well developed. I'm quite fond of the time period, and it was intriguing to read such a controversial story set amongst familiar historical characters.
Very good and very interesting story of the case of the Richard and Nancy Randolph murder trial in 1793. They were defended by John Marshall (later to become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court) and Patrick Henry.
I was not familiar with this story of rumors of adultery, incest, and infanticide. The authors relies on historical documents as the basis of his story and ties up the loose ends with his conclusion on the "truth."
I was not familiar with this story of rumors of adultery, incest, and infanticide. The authors relies on historical documents as the basis of his story and ties up the loose ends with his conclusion on the "truth."
A page-turner that informs as much as it entertains. Michael Schein combines his considerable expertise in legal history with an impressive command of the craft of writing to bring us an engrossing historical mystery. The twists and turns of the plot kept me fascinated to the end -- even after I peeked ahead. Schein’s portrayal of historical details puts me right in the story.
Famous lawyers and politicians Marshall and Henry defend a pair against the rumor mill in this well written tale based on John Marshall's trial notes. This book renews my faith in the modern writer after my last read.
fkbooksandtips app is keeping me in lots of free books.
fkbooksandtips app is keeping me in lots of free books.
I really enjoyed this book. I was paricularly taken with the differences in courtroom procedure of the time compared with today. There were portions that slogged a little, and some hints that didn't seem to go anywhere, but it was a generally enjoyable book.
With the non-fiction aspects, this was an enjoyable case to read. The author prefaced the fiction portions and I could appreciate both features.
At times I was really confused with the characters and the relationship with each other. I do not believe this to be the author’s fault but more an issue of the times. Woman are named one thing but called another and inter-family relationships (marrying ones cousin) were a normal practice.
The old English writing made this difficult for me to read too. C...more
At times I was really confused with the characters and the relationship with each other. I do not believe this to be the author’s fault but more an issue of the times. Woman are named one thing but called another and inter-family relationships (marrying ones cousin) were a normal practice.
The old English writing made this difficult for me to read too. C...more
Very interesting if you're a former High School history teacher whose favorite period in US History begins with the Revolution and vends when Old Hickory takes office. Others might find it a tad boring. Brilliant people, new political ideas put in action, mixed with a society not to far removed from the Puritans in New England. Add those wealthy planters.......great story beyond the trial
Not just the best historical fiction I've ever read, but I had to ask myself: Is this one of the best books overall I've ever read? Yes. Uncommonly beautiful language, psychologically complex, and smart in every detail. Wow.
Mar 26, 2012
Sally Beaudean
added it
I really enjoyed this book. The historical perspective was fun -- a very different view of Patrick Henry and a unique description of the early legal system. The style was interesting as well as challenging -- it's never a bad thing when I have to use my Kindle's instant dictionary! If you like courtroom drama you'll enjoy this one.
I really enjoyed this book. I have a special love for anything Colonial or early America, so this was a fascinating courtroom drama with wonderful insight into life and society during this time.
I enjoyed reading this one. I felt it was very well written and really kept my attention. I would have given it 4 stars, but I had the "mystery" figured out about half way through the book.
Very well written historical fiction book. An interesting account of time back then with lots if twists and turns.
Be careful! This is one of those that will keep you up all night or steal your entire day off…
This was a really interesting book based on true events, but it kind of felt like two different books. The first part is prior to the trial and the second part the trial itself. Schein pulled the dialogue for the trial from the actual court transcripts and it is really enjoyable, and believe it or not, fun to read. But it the tone and timbre fo the court section felt very different from the first. I really liked it despite this disjointed feeling though.
1793 Virginia- the Randolph's put the funk in dysfunctional!
Excellent debut novel. Well written with many unexpected twists and a stunning ending. Truly loved this one.
Sep 07, 2008
Ava Anderson
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone, Lauren
Shelves:
favorites
Anyone who enjoys accurate, lively historical fiction, intelligent mysteries, or court drama written by someone who knows what they're talking about will love this book. I stayed up half the night trying to finish it, and will definitely re-read it to pick up the finer points of the plot.
Excellent historical fiction! I learned more about John Marshall and Patrick Henry as they defend the Randolph family. If I tell you more I'll give too much away. Thoroughly enjoyable and intellectually learning-full. Loved it!
May 17, 2013
Linh
marked it as kindle
Apr 01, 2013
Hanna Tharp
marked it as to-read
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Michael Schein was born and raised in Vermont, so he likes to wander the woods. In high school, Michael was editor of the literary journal and won the Weed award (for creative writing, not smoking). He then went west and soon found himself at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, where he studied mostly history and political theory. Rain and gloom agreed with his fair skin and bookish ways, so he grad...more
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