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Unclean Hands
A contentious trial is imminent:
Rick Waterston’s legal practice is suffering. Although he’s stopped drinking, he can’t turn his life around. The ex is hounding him for past child support. His biggest client makes passes at him and there’s not a lot of money to spread around.
Emily Hawkins’ husband was killed while shopping at the local B & D warehouse store, accused of shoplifting and suffocated while being detained waiting for the police to arrive. To figure out the true story of what happened to her husband she hires Rick to sue the store.
Without any settlement offer, they are forced to take the case to trial where Rick has to handle the overbearing lawyers representing the store—the same people who fired him from his first job and sent him on his downward spiral.
No trial is predictable, but Rick must question his tactics when witnesses fall apart on the stand and crumble under intense cross-examination. The only hope of convincing the jury that shoplifters have rights is Emily who must stand her ground when confronted with her husbands’ dirty secrets.
Rick Waterston’s legal practice is suffering. Although he’s stopped drinking, he can’t turn his life around. The ex is hounding him for past child support. His biggest client makes passes at him and there’s not a lot of money to spread around.
Emily Hawkins’ husband was killed while shopping at the local B & D warehouse store, accused of shoplifting and suffocated while being detained waiting for the police to arrive. To figure out the true story of what happened to her husband she hires Rick to sue the store.
Without any settlement offer, they are forced to take the case to trial where Rick has to handle the overbearing lawyers representing the store—the same people who fired him from his first job and sent him on his downward spiral.
No trial is predictable, but Rick must question his tactics when witnesses fall apart on the stand and crumble under intense cross-examination. The only hope of convincing the jury that shoplifters have rights is Emily who must stand her ground when confronted with her husbands’ dirty secrets.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2021
518 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 27, 2021
The Review
A truly stellar and enthralling legal thriller, author James Rosenberg once again finds the perfect balance between his background as an attorney and the intricate depth he finds within his characters. The blend of each character’s integral role in the trial and the case overall with their own personal struggles, especially protagonist Rick and his haunted past, really helped the narrative flow smoothly.
In this day and age, the concept of lawful versus unlawful arrests and the demand for more accountability towards those accused of crimes versus actual criminals has never been higher. The narrative really does a great job of capturing this important societal theme, while also giving an original and unique spin on the story overall that will have readers hanging on the author’s every word. The pacing of this fits perfectly in the legal thriller genre, really setting up the case and making the reader eager to read as each clue is unraveled slowly but surely.
The Verdict
A brilliant, engaging, and jaw-dropping legal thriller, author James Rosenberg’s “Unclean Hands” is a must-read novel. The shocking final moments of the book’s legal battle will leave readers reeling as the truth is revealed, and the more personal and intimate moments with characters like Rick will keep the reader feeling more connected to the narrative overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
A truly stellar and enthralling legal thriller, author James Rosenberg once again finds the perfect balance between his background as an attorney and the intricate depth he finds within his characters. The blend of each character’s integral role in the trial and the case overall with their own personal struggles, especially protagonist Rick and his haunted past, really helped the narrative flow smoothly.
In this day and age, the concept of lawful versus unlawful arrests and the demand for more accountability towards those accused of crimes versus actual criminals has never been higher. The narrative really does a great job of capturing this important societal theme, while also giving an original and unique spin on the story overall that will have readers hanging on the author’s every word. The pacing of this fits perfectly in the legal thriller genre, really setting up the case and making the reader eager to read as each clue is unraveled slowly but surely.
The Verdict
A brilliant, engaging, and jaw-dropping legal thriller, author James Rosenberg’s “Unclean Hands” is a must-read novel. The shocking final moments of the book’s legal battle will leave readers reeling as the truth is revealed, and the more personal and intimate moments with characters like Rick will keep the reader feeling more connected to the narrative overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
June 22, 2021
As a big fan of legal thrillers, I really enjoyed reading another book from this author. The biography for Mr. Rosenberg states that he is a trial attorney so I would imagine that he his drawing upon personal cases for which he is familiar. I really like getting away from your typical murder mystery that involves police and three letter agencies and reading about perhaps more everyday legal cases that a typical trial attorney may encounter. James also does a very nice job of developing different story lines and bringing them together.
June 10, 2021
Rosenberg’s gift is weaving together his character’s lives with their legal situations. This story’s replete with believable characters an intense trial and a surprise ending. Loved it from start to finish.
July 7, 2021
I did enjoy this book, really kept my attention all the way, really liked the ending.
April 19, 2024
Different, got my attention from the start.
I'm normally bored for the first couple of chapters of this type of book. Not this time. He had me wanting more right away. A very good read.
I'm normally bored for the first couple of chapters of this type of book. Not this time. He had me wanting more right away. A very good read.
September 2, 2024
a great story, but an ending that was so sad and disappointing
a great story, but an ending that was so sad and disappointing.
Another intriguing courtroom story, where the Jury’s decision comes out at the end. Worth a read and can’t wait for another story by this Author
a great story, but an ending that was so sad and disappointing.
Another intriguing courtroom story, where the Jury’s decision comes out at the end. Worth a read and can’t wait for another story by this Author
December 11, 2021
Good book. Plenty of courtroom drama
October 22, 2024
Trey
the new boyfriend ends up rich. Great book very difficult to put down. The book was a real keeper. Need more books like this one.
the new boyfriend ends up rich. Great book very difficult to put down. The book was a real keeper. Need more books like this one.
July 25, 2022
Great Book
First time reading James Rosenberg. The legal thriller was highly entertaining. I look forward to reading another of his wonderful novels.
First time reading James Rosenberg. The legal thriller was highly entertaining. I look forward to reading another of his wonderful novels.
June 24, 2022
Another outstanding book written by author James Rosenberg! An excellent legal thriller that you can't put down, always rooting for the good guy to win, which you won't know unless you read this book, could go either way. James is a great story teller. And you can't help but learn about what goes on in the courtroom, along with the personal stories that they are dealing with while trying to defend their clients.
March 17, 2025
Simplistic and Fraught with Typos
The storyline was trite and simplistic. Obvious discovery/argument was ignored by the parties. The twist at the end was sadly predictable and as such added nothing. The typos simply added insult to injury, and there were plenty. That said it was mindless reading that only required minimal engagement.
The storyline was trite and simplistic. Obvious discovery/argument was ignored by the parties. The twist at the end was sadly predictable and as such added nothing. The typos simply added insult to injury, and there were plenty. That said it was mindless reading that only required minimal engagement.
September 4, 2022
I wrote this book based on a real life trial I handled. Recent real life events have only made what has happened in the story more relevant. I love the ending of the book. If you are interested:
https://www.amazon.com/Unclean-Hands-...
https://www.amazon.com/Unclean-Hands-...
May 28, 2021
A compelling read from start to finish - this is Rosenberg at his finest. Thrilling plot and thoroughly developed characters that I enjoyed rooting for (and against). Rosenberg has become a master of the genre. Buy the book; take the ride.
September 23, 2023
Wow
A really powerful courtroom drama. Couldn't put it down. Boy am I tired this morning. Stayed up until the early hours reading it
A really powerful courtroom drama. Couldn't put it down. Boy am I tired this morning. Stayed up until the early hours reading it
October 9, 2025
Absolutely outstanding! This book had me hooked from the first page. The writing is sharp, the pacing perfect, and the emotional depth incredible. Rick Waterston is one of those rare characters who feels so real, flawed, vulnerable, but full of grit. His struggle for redemption and justice kept me glued to every scene.
The courtroom drama was intense and authentic, and Emily’s determination brought such heart to the story. The author blends suspense and emotion effortlessly, turning a legal case into something deeply human and unforgettable.
This isn’t just a legal thriller, it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Powerful, moving, and impossible to put down!
The courtroom drama was intense and authentic, and Emily’s determination brought such heart to the story. The author blends suspense and emotion effortlessly, turning a legal case into something deeply human and unforgettable.
This isn’t just a legal thriller, it’s a masterclass in storytelling. Powerful, moving, and impossible to put down!
October 17, 2025
Unclean Hands is a gripping legal thriller that kept me hooked from the first page. James Rosenberg masterfully balances courtroom tension with raw emotion, creating a story that feels both real and powerful. Rick Waterston’s struggle for redemption and Emily’s fight for justice make this an unforgettable read filled with twists, heart, and truth. A must-read for anyone who loves smart, character driven thrillers.
June 10, 2022
Cute, clever, slow, and badly edited
Cute, insubstantial meander through a young trial lawyer's management of a civil trial. But there were multiple errors, both in spelling and confusion among names that should have been caught before publishing!
Cute, insubstantial meander through a young trial lawyer's management of a civil trial. But there were multiple errors, both in spelling and confusion among names that should have been caught before publishing!
July 17, 2025
It wasn't so much the spelling mistakes, or the occasional character confusion (these could be the fault of the publisher?), but the 2D characters and 1D plot that made me regret wasting my time with this novel. It offers nothing that hasn't been done (far better) many times before.
June 8, 2023
James Rosenberg captures the whirlwind of emotions and drama, both in the courtroom and out, attendant to an on-the-rebound sole practitioner up against a behemoth retailer.
June 24, 2024
Not what I expected
Book has twists & turns. The ending was not exactly what I expected or how it was written. Good book
Book has twists & turns. The ending was not exactly what I expected or how it was written. Good book
November 9, 2024
Really enjoyed this book. Fast paced. Page turner. Easy to read. Kept me guessing about the outcome.
April 17, 2025
2.5 it was just pretty boring. All courtroom, no drama.
October 20, 2025
good storyteller
Good mix of up’s and downs. Good characters and good plot. Nice touch of questionable behavior. Love the sinner, not the sin.
Good mix of up’s and downs. Good characters and good plot. Nice touch of questionable behavior. Love the sinner, not the sin.
December 2, 2025
It was okay. Have read more dramatic book but it was a good change of pace
January 17, 2026
This book has so many typos… makes me wonder if it was self published.
The story is boring, the case is boring… very straightforward with no mystery.
The story is boring, the case is boring… very straightforward with no mystery.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews