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Lady Lawyer Mysteries #1
Death of a Prince
Criminal defense attorney Sandra Salinsky is hired to defend the killer of plaintiffs' attorney Phillip Parker. Salinsky and her mother, Erma Townley, not only are law partners but often sparing partners. Since the decedent was Salinsky's mother's best friend, the case becomes more complicated than it first appears.
Although the defendant claims she's innocent, Sandra soon learns that she had millions of reasons to kill Parker, and not all of them were about money. To make matters worse, Edgar Saul, the prosecutor from hell, is assigned to the case. Sandra and Erma put their heads together to try to figure out who really killed Parker, but it seems everyone has a different story of the events on the night of the murder.
One thing is certain, someone stole the victim's watch and ring, which could turn a murder into a capital murder, a death penalty offense. Sandra has to find the killer before her client is indicted and put to trial for capital murder. Before the case is over, Sandra risks everything to solve a crime that leads into the very pillars of Galveston society and puts herself in danger to capture a killer who will take no chances in making her the next victim.
Although the defendant claims she's innocent, Sandra soon learns that she had millions of reasons to kill Parker, and not all of them were about money. To make matters worse, Edgar Saul, the prosecutor from hell, is assigned to the case. Sandra and Erma put their heads together to try to figure out who really killed Parker, but it seems everyone has a different story of the events on the night of the murder.
One thing is certain, someone stole the victim's watch and ring, which could turn a murder into a capital murder, a death penalty offense. Sandra has to find the killer before her client is indicted and put to trial for capital murder. Before the case is over, Sandra risks everything to solve a crime that leads into the very pillars of Galveston society and puts herself in danger to capture a killer who will take no chances in making her the next victim.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 15, 2005
8 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Susan P. Baker
20 books75 followersMy English war bride mother was a real penny pincher, but in the early years of their marriage, my parents had to pinch pennies. Not long after my mother arrived in the U.S., she encouraged my father to complete his education. He used the GI Bill to obtain a law degree while she was having four babies and working part time doing such odd jobs as collecting the money out of coin-operated machines in washaterias.
We moved to Galveston when I was four, which is when my father claimed he taught me to read. We lived on the water, swimming, fishing, and crabbing in Offatts Bayou. As far as I can remember, we had no purchased books in our house when I was growing up. We didn't have the money. But Mom took the four of us to the Rosenberg Library every two weeks where we'd check out the maximum number of books allowed, six each. We even took library books on vacation with us so we could read them in the car instead of fussing and constantly asking, "Are we there yet?"
I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I used to write little stories as well as entertain my invisible friend, Sally, who lived in my side of the closet. My parents discouraged me from seeking a writing career, so after several false starts I eventually obtained a BS in Criminal Justice.
I finally was hired as a Probation Officer about a week before I started law school. I was married with a couple of kids of my own by then, so I worked and attended Law School (in Houston) for three years.
I mostly practiced criminal and family law. In fact, I was board certified in family law. After eight years of practicing law, I ran for district court judge and was elected. I was the first woman in Galveston County to run.
By that time, I was writing a lot. I'd published My First Murder. I moved away and back to Galveston several times and now live in Cypress near my younger daughter.
People often approach me with ideas for books, but with a background like mine, I have no shortage of my own.
We moved to Galveston when I was four, which is when my father claimed he taught me to read. We lived on the water, swimming, fishing, and crabbing in Offatts Bayou. As far as I can remember, we had no purchased books in our house when I was growing up. We didn't have the money. But Mom took the four of us to the Rosenberg Library every two weeks where we'd check out the maximum number of books allowed, six each. We even took library books on vacation with us so we could read them in the car instead of fussing and constantly asking, "Are we there yet?"
I wanted to be a writer when I grew up. I used to write little stories as well as entertain my invisible friend, Sally, who lived in my side of the closet. My parents discouraged me from seeking a writing career, so after several false starts I eventually obtained a BS in Criminal Justice.
I finally was hired as a Probation Officer about a week before I started law school. I was married with a couple of kids of my own by then, so I worked and attended Law School (in Houston) for three years.
I mostly practiced criminal and family law. In fact, I was board certified in family law. After eight years of practicing law, I ran for district court judge and was elected. I was the first woman in Galveston County to run.
By that time, I was writing a lot. I'd published My First Murder. I moved away and back to Galveston several times and now live in Cypress near my younger daughter.
People often approach me with ideas for books, but with a background like mine, I have no shortage of my own.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
August 26, 2020
Sandra Salinsky is a criminal defense attorney.
When she returns to the house where there was a celebratory dinner the night before.
She discovers that Phillip Parker, the host, and longtime friend of her mothers is dead.
And it wasn't a pretty death either.
When Kitty Fulton hires her to defend her from the murder charges. Sandra discovers Kitty has literally millions of reasons to want him dead. And not all of them include the vast inheritance she will receive from her deceased father's estate.
As Sandra and her partner, Erma Townley, who also happens to be her mother set off tho question everyone who was at the party. They discover that they are hitting too close to home as Sandra and her mom are now being targeted and threatened to drop the case.
This is a great story with defined characters and a very solid plot line.
When she returns to the house where there was a celebratory dinner the night before.
She discovers that Phillip Parker, the host, and longtime friend of her mothers is dead.
And it wasn't a pretty death either.
When Kitty Fulton hires her to defend her from the murder charges. Sandra discovers Kitty has literally millions of reasons to want him dead. And not all of them include the vast inheritance she will receive from her deceased father's estate.
As Sandra and her partner, Erma Townley, who also happens to be her mother set off tho question everyone who was at the party. They discover that they are hitting too close to home as Sandra and her mom are now being targeted and threatened to drop the case.
This is a great story with defined characters and a very solid plot line.
March 28, 2019
Very gripping. So many twists even with such a limited list of suspects. Didn’t really see the ending, nagged at me but I dismissed it. Surprised my instincts were correct. Great job.
April 10, 2021
Who killed the prince?
This gripping and compelling legal murder mystery is set in Galveston Island, Texas. Just couldn't put it down until I finished it.
This gripping and compelling legal murder mystery is set in Galveston Island, Texas. Just couldn't put it down until I finished it.
November 25, 2015
Great book. I could picture myself strolling the streets and visiting the various places in Galveston. I had the pleasure of meeting the author, Susan P. Baker, at book club last night. What an interesting lady. I really enjoyed her talking about her books and her inspirations. I can't wait for the sequel!!!
December 4, 2011
True rating: 3-1/2 stars.
This was a very fast read. I enjoyed it!
This was a very fast read. I enjoyed it!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews