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Izzy McNeil Mystery #5
Question of Trust
Question of Trust Caldwell, Laura
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
About the author
Laura Caldwell
33 books163 followersLaura Caldwell is a Chicago-based lawyer turned novelist. Her first book, Burning the Map, was selected by Barnes & Noble.com as one of The Best of 2002. Following that, A Clean Slate received a starred review from Booklist. The release of The Year of Living Famously and The Night I Got Lucky prompted Booklist to declare, “Caldwell is one of the most talented and inventive...writers around.”
Laura began publishing thrillers and suspense novels in 2005. Her debut mystery, Look Closely, received critical acclaim and The Chicago Sun-Times called The Rome Affair “Caldwell’s most exciting book yet…a summer must-read.” The Rome Affair, which centers around a Chicago society couple riding a roller coaster of infidelity, blackmail and murder, pulled Laura into a real-life, highly-profiled murder trial involving a 19-year old suspect forced into a confession and wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Laura became one of the attorneys who represented the suspect pro bono, resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Laura's newest is an international thriller, The Good Liar. Bestselling author Ken Bruen calls it "a massive achievement." Publisher's Weekly lauds it as "a taut, enjoyable thriller." And New York Times bestselling author James Rollins said, "THE GOOD LIAR strikes like an assassin's bullet: sudden, swift, precise, deadly. Here is a taut international thriller certain to keep readers breathless and awake until the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed." Her work has been translated into ten languages and published in over twenty countries.
Before beginning her writing career, Laura was a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense and entertainment law. She is published in the legal field and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where she teaches Advanced Writing for Litigation. She recently received the St. Robert Bellarmine award for distinguished contributions to the profession and the Loyola School of Law. In the summer of 2008, she will be teaching International Criminal Law at Loyola's campus in Rome, Italy.
Laura is also a freelance magazine writer. Her work has been published in Chicago Magazine, Woman's Own, The Young Lawyer, Lake Magazine, Australia Woman's Weekly, Shore Magazine and others. Her work can also be seen in Everything I Needed to Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume (Pocket Books, 2007), It's A Wonderful Lie: Truth About Life In Your Twenties (Warner, 2006), Girl's Night In II (Red Dress Ink, 2006) Flirting With Pride & Prejudice (BenBella Books, 2005) and Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives (BenBella Books, 2006).
Laura began publishing thrillers and suspense novels in 2005. Her debut mystery, Look Closely, received critical acclaim and The Chicago Sun-Times called The Rome Affair “Caldwell’s most exciting book yet…a summer must-read.” The Rome Affair, which centers around a Chicago society couple riding a roller coaster of infidelity, blackmail and murder, pulled Laura into a real-life, highly-profiled murder trial involving a 19-year old suspect forced into a confession and wrongfully jailed for a crime he did not commit. Laura became one of the attorneys who represented the suspect pro bono, resulting in a not-guilty verdict.
Laura's newest is an international thriller, The Good Liar. Bestselling author Ken Bruen calls it "a massive achievement." Publisher's Weekly lauds it as "a taut, enjoyable thriller." And New York Times bestselling author James Rollins said, "THE GOOD LIAR strikes like an assassin's bullet: sudden, swift, precise, deadly. Here is a taut international thriller certain to keep readers breathless and awake until the wee hours of the morning. Not to be missed." Her work has been translated into ten languages and published in over twenty countries.
Before beginning her writing career, Laura was a trial attorney, specializing in medical malpractice defense and entertainment law. She is published in the legal field and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law at her alma mater, Loyola University Chicago, where she teaches Advanced Writing for Litigation. She recently received the St. Robert Bellarmine award for distinguished contributions to the profession and the Loyola School of Law. In the summer of 2008, she will be teaching International Criminal Law at Loyola's campus in Rome, Italy.
Laura is also a freelance magazine writer. Her work has been published in Chicago Magazine, Woman's Own, The Young Lawyer, Lake Magazine, Australia Woman's Weekly, Shore Magazine and others. Her work can also be seen in Everything I Needed to Know About Being A Girl I Learned From Judy Blume (Pocket Books, 2007), It's A Wonderful Lie: Truth About Life In Your Twenties (Warner, 2006), Girl's Night In II (Red Dress Ink, 2006) Flirting With Pride & Prejudice (BenBella Books, 2005) and Welcome to Wisteria Lane: On America's Favorite Desperate Housewives (BenBella Books, 2006).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 20, 2019
I really enjoy following Izzy's cases and her life through each addition to the series.
August 3, 2013
Review to come. Ye gods, why did I waste so much time on this book? I think I can claim that I haven't read any of the other books in this series, so I give it the benefit of the doubt, but the writing in this wasn't good and the story...meh.
Hopefully I can reflect on this better in the full review.
Hopefully I can reflect on this better in the full review.
November 2, 2017
This one was a lot of fun, too - introduced some twists and a lot of changes with Izzy’s career. I like that what she does for work is so entwined with the story and her character, it’s more like real life often is, where your job is such a big part of your world. Often books gloss over work as if it’s peripheral.
June 19, 2012
Question of Trust by Laura Caldwell
5 STARS This is my first Izzy McNeil novel but not my last. I had no idea how this would play out. Thier was lots of drama. Some sex scenes. The characters were all so different in thier walk of life. Did not book the book down till I had finshed. Izzy is now a defense lawyer and part time P.I. She used to be a entertainment contract lawyer. Izzy works for her friend since collage Maggie and her family firm. Izzy much younger boyfriend Theo is rich with his own business him and his friend Erik started. Theo is looking to buy a house now is apartment lease is up. He finds one he likes for a few million. So Theo asks to move in with Izzy till his house is ready for him to move in. The day he moves in Izzy condo is broken into and nothing taken. Theo finds out that thier is a problem with him buying the house. Something is wrong with his credit. Then he finds out that thier are major problems with his business. Izzy has a bunch of small cases for the firm as she is still learning the inns and outs of a defense lawyer. One case she is helping on is for drug cartel thier boat was seized with a couple of million dollars worth of drugs. Then Theo is arrested for federal charges. They think he stole all his investors money. Theo claims he is innocent and does not know where all the money went. Everyone thinks others took the money and everyone seems to be questioning who they can trust. The title really fits this book Question of Trust is a stand alone novel but the characters of most of it seems to have been in other novels. I can't wait to read more of Izzy McNeil's adventure of her life. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
02/28/2012 PUB Harlequin HarlequinMira
5 STARS This is my first Izzy McNeil novel but not my last. I had no idea how this would play out. Thier was lots of drama. Some sex scenes. The characters were all so different in thier walk of life. Did not book the book down till I had finshed. Izzy is now a defense lawyer and part time P.I. She used to be a entertainment contract lawyer. Izzy works for her friend since collage Maggie and her family firm. Izzy much younger boyfriend Theo is rich with his own business him and his friend Erik started. Theo is looking to buy a house now is apartment lease is up. He finds one he likes for a few million. So Theo asks to move in with Izzy till his house is ready for him to move in. The day he moves in Izzy condo is broken into and nothing taken. Theo finds out that thier is a problem with him buying the house. Something is wrong with his credit. Then he finds out that thier are major problems with his business. Izzy has a bunch of small cases for the firm as she is still learning the inns and outs of a defense lawyer. One case she is helping on is for drug cartel thier boat was seized with a couple of million dollars worth of drugs. Then Theo is arrested for federal charges. They think he stole all his investors money. Theo claims he is innocent and does not know where all the money went. Everyone thinks others took the money and everyone seems to be questioning who they can trust. The title really fits this book Question of Trust is a stand alone novel but the characters of most of it seems to have been in other novels. I can't wait to read more of Izzy McNeil's adventure of her life. I was given this ebook to read in exchange of honest review from Netgalley.
02/28/2012 PUB Harlequin HarlequinMira
June 21, 2012
As always, Laura Caldwell is the bomb! She does a fantastic job with this book, that I just could not put it down! Izzy MacNeil is a great character! In this book, her boyfriend Theo is looking to buy a house, but is turned down for a mortgage. He doesn't understand why, but then he is arrested by the Federal Government. Izzy does her best to try to find out why Theo is arrested, what is all has to do with his being turned down for a mortgage, and why his company is now bankrupt. Many interesting twists and turns to this book, will have you hanging on for more! Don't fret, Laura Caldwell's next book, "False Impressions" is out August 2012!
September 21, 2012
nice to have a different plot
February 18, 2013
easy read. nice twists.
April 17, 2013
I loved it.
September 23, 2020
The book was good,first time reading this author. I will be reading more of her work.
February 14, 2021
The second in a series which felt as good and carried along the drama, excitement and the tempestuous love between Izzy and Theo. Her apartment is broken into, Theo is in really big hot water and so is Izzy’s new law firm. Delightful!
September 20, 2022
I enjoy a good mystery. The title is very appropriate. The ending really surprised me.
April 14, 2012
Setting – federal court room, law offices, condominium, east coast busy city (new York or Washington DC)
Theme – trust, love, revenge
Characters –
Kim Parkway – neighbor to Izzy – fun, friendly – but a drug runner and tough cookie – wants to make way up the Cortadero tree, and is set there as a spy.
Maggie Bristol – Izzy’s best friend and boss – criminal lawyer – her Phillipino, cello playing boyfriend is moving in with her – and at the end, they’re having a baby. The Cortadero’s account pays a lot of the office bills.
Cortaderos – a cartel, based in Mexico… Mom and Dad believe US is the place of their future. They are handing off some of decisions to sons, who may not be ready for it.
Jose Ramon – tough cookie… a Cortadero son – the more successful one.
Vicente Cortaderos – son that is laundering the family + money, investing into Theo’s company – which is doing great, until… family unhappy with him. They pull their business from the Bristol’s if they represent Theo… but it takes until the end of the book to understand the connection.
Theodore ‘Theo’ Jameson – Izzy’s boyfriend – 8 years younger than Izzy – computer programming genius, partner in a multi-million dollar company – sex machine – gorgeous – successful; he doesn’t realize there is trouble with money at the business until he tries to buy his first home, and gets turned down for the loan. And then 2 days later he is arrested by the feds for embezzlement.
Izzy McNeil – has been playing with practicing with saying ‘I love you’ to Theo… and he moves in with her between not renewing his lease and the purchase of his new place… two days before he is arrested. She struggles with believing in him… but continues to act in trust… and is ultimately vindicated.
John Mayburn – helps out with the investigation – and Izzy helps him uncover a bank employee who is taking small sums of money. The woman he loves, after last book spending time/sex with one of Theo’s friends, is back in Mayburn’s arms – wanting a man, not a boy.
Christopher McNeil- Izzy’s father – the first to tell her that Theo’s business was in trouble… he is finding his place, working with Mayburn; spending time with Izzy as a father;
Detective Vaughn – making good on apology in the last book, offering and giving information to Izzy on Kim’s murder, and Theo’s case.
Anna Jameson- Theo’s mom – very close to Theo. She battled 4 stage breast cancer 10 years earlier and won, but the bills were astronomical. She was quite hurt by her ex-husband/brother feeling when he did not help her out emotionally or financially. When Brad set up the funding for Theo’s business he named Anna as a Trustee – so Anna, to hurt Brad, has been taking money out as a trustee, paid her medical bills, and been squirreling the rest of the money into numerous accounts – leaving no money to pay the business expenses, and a federal investigation – she intended to hurt Brad, but instead hurt Theo. She sends a thug to Izzy’s apartment to rough her up a little – to get them off investigating the money… but the thug interrupts Kim going through the apartment, thinks it’s Izzy – but when Kim fights back and hurts him, he loses control and beats her to death.
Brad Jameson- a wheeler/dealer… no desire to grow up… he set up the startup funding, including a foreign account – which he was personally drawing from (without Leo and Eric knowing) … he couldn’t figure out why the company was losing money – he couldn’t trace it. And his initial investors included the Cortaderos -
Eric Deringer – Brad’s partner. When the feds approached him, he fearfully agreed to give them whatever information… and did not warn Brad of the investigation. He is conflicted, confused, and attempts suicide – and is in a coma for most of the book.
In the end – they track Brad who confesses his part… and then Anna (thinking she caused Izzy to be killed), goes to Theo and confesses her part, and is awaiting persecution.
Theme – trust, love, revenge
Characters –
Kim Parkway – neighbor to Izzy – fun, friendly – but a drug runner and tough cookie – wants to make way up the Cortadero tree, and is set there as a spy.
Maggie Bristol – Izzy’s best friend and boss – criminal lawyer – her Phillipino, cello playing boyfriend is moving in with her – and at the end, they’re having a baby. The Cortadero’s account pays a lot of the office bills.
Cortaderos – a cartel, based in Mexico… Mom and Dad believe US is the place of their future. They are handing off some of decisions to sons, who may not be ready for it.
Jose Ramon – tough cookie… a Cortadero son – the more successful one.
Vicente Cortaderos – son that is laundering the family + money, investing into Theo’s company – which is doing great, until… family unhappy with him. They pull their business from the Bristol’s if they represent Theo… but it takes until the end of the book to understand the connection.
Theodore ‘Theo’ Jameson – Izzy’s boyfriend – 8 years younger than Izzy – computer programming genius, partner in a multi-million dollar company – sex machine – gorgeous – successful; he doesn’t realize there is trouble with money at the business until he tries to buy his first home, and gets turned down for the loan. And then 2 days later he is arrested by the feds for embezzlement.
Izzy McNeil – has been playing with practicing with saying ‘I love you’ to Theo… and he moves in with her between not renewing his lease and the purchase of his new place… two days before he is arrested. She struggles with believing in him… but continues to act in trust… and is ultimately vindicated.
John Mayburn – helps out with the investigation – and Izzy helps him uncover a bank employee who is taking small sums of money. The woman he loves, after last book spending time/sex with one of Theo’s friends, is back in Mayburn’s arms – wanting a man, not a boy.
Christopher McNeil- Izzy’s father – the first to tell her that Theo’s business was in trouble… he is finding his place, working with Mayburn; spending time with Izzy as a father;
Detective Vaughn – making good on apology in the last book, offering and giving information to Izzy on Kim’s murder, and Theo’s case.
Anna Jameson- Theo’s mom – very close to Theo. She battled 4 stage breast cancer 10 years earlier and won, but the bills were astronomical. She was quite hurt by her ex-husband/brother feeling when he did not help her out emotionally or financially. When Brad set up the funding for Theo’s business he named Anna as a Trustee – so Anna, to hurt Brad, has been taking money out as a trustee, paid her medical bills, and been squirreling the rest of the money into numerous accounts – leaving no money to pay the business expenses, and a federal investigation – she intended to hurt Brad, but instead hurt Theo. She sends a thug to Izzy’s apartment to rough her up a little – to get them off investigating the money… but the thug interrupts Kim going through the apartment, thinks it’s Izzy – but when Kim fights back and hurts him, he loses control and beats her to death.
Brad Jameson- a wheeler/dealer… no desire to grow up… he set up the startup funding, including a foreign account – which he was personally drawing from (without Leo and Eric knowing) … he couldn’t figure out why the company was losing money – he couldn’t trace it. And his initial investors included the Cortaderos -
Eric Deringer – Brad’s partner. When the feds approached him, he fearfully agreed to give them whatever information… and did not warn Brad of the investigation. He is conflicted, confused, and attempts suicide – and is in a coma for most of the book.
In the end – they track Brad who confesses his part… and then Anna (thinking she caused Izzy to be killed), goes to Theo and confesses her part, and is awaiting persecution.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2017
I thought this was a fairly solid thriller/mystery. It was entertaining but felt like it might have meandered a little too much in places. Overall, a decent read but it felt like it lacked something.
January 7, 2012
A Question of Trust by Laura Caldwell continues the Izzy McNeil’s story. We find that Izzy has moved in with Theo and their situation is not all roses. Izzy has made career changes and she is growing very suspicious of her new beau. Theo Jameson, who has been put in cuffs, due to his not so legal corporate dealings, leaves Izzy with trust issues. A Question of Trust is rich in detail allowing readers an in-depth view of their surroundings, yet it seems to weigh the story down. I found I could determine things before they happened, I found the story lacked the mystery element. I wished Ms. Caldwell had told the story in third person point of view, it would have carried the story at a better pace. There are more books in the Izzy McNeil Mysteries: Red Hot Lies, Red Blood Murder, Red, White and Dead and Claim of Innocence . This story was not what I had hoped for in a mystery. I wished we had seen more romance intertwined into the story.
August 8, 2013
This is another Izzy McNeil book. this time Theo is looking to buy a home and moves out of his apartment. But he does not get the loan and moves in with Izzy. Then things start happening.
A lot of stuff happens, but it didn't feel like any of it impacted the main characters. Someone is killed in her apartment, but she barely blinks over it. Her boyfriend is arrested. The Mexican Mafia is involved.
I don't expect doom and gloom, but some type of visceral reaction would help. And, it is a pet peeve of mine: who in the world calls their own hair "my curls"? As in, I pulled back my curls, I shook out my curls, etc. isn't it hair? Never, ever met a woman who calls her hair her curls.
A lot of stuff happens, but it didn't feel like any of it impacted the main characters. Someone is killed in her apartment, but she barely blinks over it. Her boyfriend is arrested. The Mexican Mafia is involved.
I don't expect doom and gloom, but some type of visceral reaction would help. And, it is a pet peeve of mine: who in the world calls their own hair "my curls"? As in, I pulled back my curls, I shook out my curls, etc. isn't it hair? Never, ever met a woman who calls her hair her curls.
October 15, 2015
This is the 5th book that I've read about Izzy and the only reason I have read them is because I'm in a book club. This is the 5th book and she still can't get over her ex fiancé. I mean really she was almost arrested at one point for his disappearance and she still flips back and forth about it. Well this book was about Theo her current boyfriend. After everything being drawn out for over 300 pages his issue is resolved, sorta. Two other issues that were introduced in this book were just brushed off and nothing was said about it. I'm sorry but I've read 5 books and I'm glad that I don't have a 6th.
February 7, 2016
Another good Izzy McNeil novel. Goes in many directions, not sure what is going on, but then when it starts to come together, very easily figured out. Really love the characters, can't wait to read the next one, but don't want to because then I will have to say goodbye to Izzy! Great vacation reading!
January 17, 2012
4.5 Stars. With Question of Trust, the fifth novel starring lawyer Izzy McNeil, Laura Caldwell brings her readers another well-executed and engaging mystery. To read my review in its entirety, please visit http://www.bookreviewsandmorebykathy....
March 26, 2012
I couldn't put this one down and read in a very short time. This books definitely took me on a very interesting journey with lots of twist and turns and one of my favourite books in this trilogy! Looking forward to reading False Impressions this summer!
August 25, 2014
Would probably give 3.5. First book I've read by this author. Her alternating points of view are a little confusing, sometimes I had trouble keeping characters straight. Fast read, enjoyable characters, will definitely look for more.
July 21, 2015
Love Laura Caldwell & Izzie McNeil. Good attorney, but not a TV know it all type. Very human, yet not the type to walk into empty apartment without some caution. When do you know you can trust someone; or should?
February 20, 2012
This is a fantastic series. I just hope that there is more, and I am not left hanging!
Read
March 1, 2012Miniseries: An Izzy McNeil Novel
Category: Suspense
Category: Suspense
March 4, 2012
I found this book disappointing based on the others in the series. The story line was uninteresting and the writing was not great. I hope that the next one will be better.
May 30, 2012
love Izzy!
June 27, 2013
A boyfriend brings, in the wake of his moving in, a break in, his arrest, and a neighbor's murder.
Want to Read
September 4, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138372
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138372
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews