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Illegal
by
Paul Levine (Goodreads Author)
The Edgar-nominated author acclaimed for his crackling courtroom scenes delivers an adrenaline-laced, no-holds-barred thriller—his most powerful novel to date—as a disgraced lawyer travels the twisted border between justice and revenge.
Haunted by a tragedy in his past and wanted by the cops for his latest malfeasance, trial lawyer Jimmy “Royal” Payne needs to skip town. T...more
Haunted by a tragedy in his past and wanted by the cops for his latest malfeasance, trial lawyer Jimmy “Royal” Payne needs to skip town. T...more
Hardcover, 384 pages
Published
March 24th 2009
by Bantam
(first published March 1st 2009)
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Feb 16, 2009
Paul Levine
rated it
5 of 5 stars
· (Review from the author)
·
review of another edition
L.A. defense attorney Jimmy Payne, overwhelmed by guilt and grief at his son’s death, also loses his wife,
Sharon, to divorce, and morphs into “Royal” Payne to both cops and judges. It’s just a matter of time
before he’s in deep trouble with both. Along with the trouble comes 12-year-old Agustino Perez, an illegal
alien who is searching for his mother. Initially, Tino robs Payne, but Payne admires the boy’s toughness
and determination and promises to help him find his mother. The trail takes them—do...more
Sharon, to divorce, and morphs into “Royal” Payne to both cops and judges. It’s just a matter of time
before he’s in deep trouble with both. Along with the trouble comes 12-year-old Agustino Perez, an illegal
alien who is searching for his mother. Initially, Tino robs Payne, but Payne admires the boy’s toughness
and determination and promises to help him find his mother. The trail takes them—do...more
1 like · like · see review
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Jul 20, 2009
Susan
added it
Paul Levine has introduced a new character who shares some of the traits of those from his earlier books. Like those protaganists in his earlier Jake Lassiter and Soloman and Lord series, Jimmy Payne is an attorney who is a rebel with a good sense of humor. But unlike his earleir works this one is set in Southern California instead of South Florida.
ALthough Levine inserts a lot of levity into this book, the subject matter is very serious. Payne was divorced by his wife because he was unable to...more
ALthough Levine inserts a lot of levity into this book, the subject matter is very serious. Payne was divorced by his wife because he was unable to...more
Jimmy "Royal" Payne is a small time lawyer with a tortured past. He was charged with contempt of court but is evading the charges and needs to leave town immediately. As he prepares to leave, he crosses paths with Tino Perez, a 12 year old Mexican with no papers and lots of energy to spare. Tino and his mother got separated while crossing the border illegally. Tino first robs Payne and then asks him to help him find his missing mother.
Payne, with Tino in tow, goes to his ex-wife whom he still lo...more
Payne, with Tino in tow, goes to his ex-wife whom he still lo...more
I half heartedly started to read this book, the opening scene at a bowling alley and decided there were other books awaiting my attention. However, U was watching the TV and dipped into it during the ad breaks. How glad am I that I did continue. I don't think I've read any other Paul Levine books, or indeed anything about him. I can say that (and I'm assuming he hasn't a huge back catalogue of books to his name) this writer is clearly the successor to the crown so long worn by John Grisham. A br...more
I got this book from Goodreads.com as part of their early release giveaways. I had read other books by this author and this one sounded really good so I put my name in to hopefully win a copy.
This book started out with a judge holding Payne at gun point and then goes on from there…a lot going on all of the time…one minute Payne is defending himself from the coyote and the next he is running like hell to get himself and the boy out of another fix they have gotten themselves into. I found mysel...more
This book started out with a judge holding Payne at gun point and then goes on from there…a lot going on all of the time…one minute Payne is defending himself from the coyote and the next he is running like hell to get himself and the boy out of another fix they have gotten themselves into. I found mysel...more
Agustino, Tino to his friends, and his mother, Marisol, are running for their lives. They cross the Mexican border and enter America as illegal aliens. But things just go from bad to worse. The mother and son get separated during the crossing. The mother is a beautiful woman, who has been sexually harassed her entire life, and becomes the target of more unwanted advances.
I worked in construction and learned real quick to lose the makeup, pull my hair back into an unflattering ponytail, and not...more
I worked in construction and learned real quick to lose the makeup, pull my hair back into an unflattering ponytail, and not...more
Dec 15, 2009
Tiffany Williams
added it
A boy unable to protect his mother alone. A man who couldn't protect his son. Together, they change their own lives, and the lives of those around them, fighting hard for what they know is right.
Who?
Jimmy Payne: A divorced lawyer in California who represents "undesirables."
Sharon Payne: Jimmy's ex-wife.
Marisol and Tino: Mother and son from Mexico who cross into the US illegally after Tino's life is threatened.
Simon Rutledge: A California farmer who hires illegal immigrants to work on his farms.
W...more
Who?
Jimmy Payne: A divorced lawyer in California who represents "undesirables."
Sharon Payne: Jimmy's ex-wife.
Marisol and Tino: Mother and son from Mexico who cross into the US illegally after Tino's life is threatened.
Simon Rutledge: A California farmer who hires illegal immigrants to work on his farms.
W...more
Comments by author Paul Levine on this thriller, ILLEGAL:
1. What are the major factors that inspired you to write the book?
News stories about the horrific incident where several Mexican citizens died in the back of a locked trailer truck on a run across the California/Arizona desert. And....the facts contained here: http://live.psu.edu/story/38537
2. How did your legal background and experience help in writing this book?
Not so much. Very little courtroom in ILLEGAL. It's unlike most of my legal t...more
1. What are the major factors that inspired you to write the book?
News stories about the horrific incident where several Mexican citizens died in the back of a locked trailer truck on a run across the California/Arizona desert. And....the facts contained here: http://live.psu.edu/story/38537
2. How did your legal background and experience help in writing this book?
Not so much. Very little courtroom in ILLEGAL. It's unlike most of my legal t...more
Great story that keeps you on edge all the way through. Jimmy Payne, an attorney, has just about hit bottom after going through a divorce and the death of his 10 year old son in a car accident. He decides to change his life and do something good for someone. Thus begins his harrowing adventure as he tries to reunite Tino Perez with his mother, immigrants crossing the Mexican border into the United States. Mother and son were separated during the border crossing.
I like the flawed protagonist in this book, and how the author worked the ending. This was a quick read, but the story wasn't lacking in any way. There were fewer leaps in logic than required for some suspense/thriller novels, and those that were, were very minor. Overall, a very enjoyable story and, though it seems at this time to be a stand-alone novel, I may give some of his other books/series a chance. It helps as well that he wrote 20+ episodes of the television show, JAG.
One of my favorite writers, this was a real diversion to Paul's formula. You can see how his time in L.A. and the American Southwest has influenced his story line. Paul once said that he passed a woman walking along the highway in the desert ... and he wondered what her story was! Illegal is the result of his thought process and makes us cringe to realize that exploitation is alive and well in modern America.
Really a nice surprise! This guy knows how to keep your interest and offers a completely candid and unique look at the "illegal" immigration issue here in the states. Guarantied to make you think differently and/or reevaluate your opinion on this incredibly sensitive, brutal, and controversial matter. All this with a really good set of characters that will have you laughing and/or feeling sad. A really good read!!
Great first chapter. Our hero "Royal Payne" bribes a judge. Story runs from there as he helps a young illegal try to reunite with his mother. Story starts from border crossings, how illegals are treated, fifedom of a large grower in San Joaquin Valley. Good characters. Saw Levine at LA Book Festival, his wit and intellect shine through.
If you like this, you might also like Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker; more border crossings!
If you like this, you might also like Renegades by T. Jefferson Parker; more border crossings!
This was a good story, but the first book I have read with all the "f" words, so that is why I marked it lower. I don't like that kind of language. Their were several violent scenes, but I guess that can be expected in a book about illegal immigration. The main character's evolvement was good. An okay read if you can handle those words.
Jul 09, 2012
Charlene Intriago
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-2012,
kindle-book
I needed a break from the "heavy" books I've been reading and this hit the spot. A "freebie" from Amazon I discovered on a new mystery book website that I discovered from the July Goodreads newsletter. Set in California (and a little in Mexico) it's the story of a lawyer who crosses paths with a young Mexican boy and his mother.
I actually won a copy of this book through Good Reads. It was a fast read. The plot was sometimes predictable, sometimes unbelievalbe. Overall, I enjoyed it. This is the first book I've read by this author. I would lok for Paul Levine again the next time I'm in the library. Thank you, Goodreads!
Jul 27, 2009
Liz
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
all the guys who enjoy thrillers
Shelves:
thriller-adult
this well researched book delves into the "problems, horrors, and economic consequences" of the Mexican/US Border illegal crossings.
It is replete with greed, corruption, and horror beyond your comprehension
The human coyotes are of the worst kind--human trafficking.
Am reading it a second time as well as doing my own research. I am somewhat familiar with the setting as I am native to the area.
I feel like the setting is as impotant as the plot and the characters in this novel.
Kudos to the author, P...more
It is replete with greed, corruption, and horror beyond your comprehension
The human coyotes are of the worst kind--human trafficking.
Am reading it a second time as well as doing my own research. I am somewhat familiar with the setting as I am native to the area.
I feel like the setting is as impotant as the plot and the characters in this novel.
Kudos to the author, P...more
I won this book on Good reads and I just started reading it. It is really good so far and hard to put down.
Well I just finished this book and I really enjoyed it! I loved how Jimmy would do anything for Tino! You just couldn't help falling in love with the boy.
Well I just finished this book and I really enjoyed it! I loved how Jimmy would do anything for Tino! You just couldn't help falling in love with the boy.
Story of a man trying to find the man that killed his son in a car accident , who also was a illegal immigrant. In the process he helps a young illegal immigrant boy find his mother whom he got seperated from once they were brought across the border. Lots of happinings and dirty words .thru out the book. The ending is sad but happy in both ways.
I was lucky enough to win this book, and I really enjoyed reading it. The author, Paul Levine's, characters were very well developed and interesting. The story line held my attention, and I kept reading well into the early morning hours. Thanks Mr. Levine for a very good read!!!
Gripped me from start to finish.
The story of how innocent people can be dragged in to the murky world of people trafficking & becoming an illegal immigrant.
The story of how innocent people can be dragged in to the murky world of people trafficking & becoming an illegal immigrant.
Read my review and interview with Paul Levine
http://www.examiner.com/books-in-los-...
http://www.examiner.com/books-in-los-...
Jimmy Payne has the opportunity to redeem himself by helping out an adorable Mexican waif. The book is a quick read and held my interest - even provoked some thinking about the border situation and the plight of illegal immigrants in this country. The plot contains some pretty unbelievable situations but is entertaining. This is the first book that I've ready by Paul Levine and I will look into others.
Won this book from Goodreads sweepstakes. Can't wait to get it and start reading! Thanks!
Received my hardcover book yesterday. I HAVE to finish Holy Smokes first, and then I'll move on to this one. The book looks very promising.
This is my first book by Paul Levine. It was a great read, hard to put down, and fast paced. Sometimes gritty and hard, but at others tender and heartbreaking. Great characters! This won't be the last of Levine's books that I read.
Received my hardcover book yesterday. I HAVE to finish Holy Smokes first, and then I'll move on to this one. The book looks very promising.
This is my first book by Paul Levine. It was a great read, hard to put down, and fast paced. Sometimes gritty and hard, but at others tender and heartbreaking. Great characters! This won't be the last of Levine's books that I read.
Great book! One of those that had me staying up way too late to finish it & still didn't want it to be done!
This book is an easy read. No big surprises till the end but it still keeps your interest.
Found this book to be very enlightening, may even have my students read for extra credit
Lucky me! I won this book! Can't wait to read it!!!! Received my free hardcover copy! Looking forward to reading it!
I really liked this book. It is fast paced, the type of book you just want to read in one sitting. The characters are believable and likeable. I am glad to see there will be another Jimmy Payne book in the future. It will be on my to read list for sure!
I really liked this book. It is fast paced, the type of book you just want to read in one sitting. The characters are believable and likeable. I am glad to see there will be another Jimmy Payne book in the future. It will be on my to read list for sure!
This was a very interesting read. I highly recommend it to everyone. Kudos Mr. Levine, I will have to try some of your other books.
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The author of 17 novels, Paul Levine won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and was nominated for the Edgar, Macavity, International Thriller, and James Thurber prizes.
A former Miami trial lawyer, he also wrote more than 20 episodes of the CBS military drama “JAG” and co-created the Supreme Court drama “First Monday” starring James Garner and Joe Mantegna.
The critically acclaimed international...more
More about Paul Levine...
A former Miami trial lawyer, he also wrote more than 20 episodes of the CBS military drama “JAG” and co-created the Supreme Court drama “First Monday” starring James Garner and Joe Mantegna.
The critically acclaimed international...more
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