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The Unmerciful Lawyer
Cameron feeds the man he killed to bears in the remote Alaskan wilderness. How does a lawyer from Texas stray so far from his conventional life? It all changed in an instant, when Cameron shot an intruder in his home. As he lay dying, Cameron's wife confessed to her affair with the man. Cameron was about to be branded the jealous killer of his wife's lover. Everything was gone - his marriage, his promising legal career, and his very freedom. Or were they? The Unmerciful Lawyer is about a life upended and the desperation to return to normalcy. Cameron struggles to hide the truth from those who are searching for the missing man. All the while, his suspicion and mistrust of his wife grow. Will the accidental murderer become a real one? Cameron's plan to do away with his wife goes awry, and the end game of his future plays out in a Houston courtroom. Themes of forgiveness weave their way through The Unmerciful Lawyer's twisting plot, which was inspired by a case the author encountered while working for the United States Court of Appeals.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2011
About the author
Scott Gaille
8 books5 followersScott Gaille is an attorney and executive whose career has ranged from giving oral argument before the United States Court of Appeals to acquiring petroleum concessions in Africa. He holds a Doctor of Law with High Honors from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts with High Honors from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Scott is an Adjunct Professor of Management at Rice University's Graduate School of Business and a Lecturer in Law and the University of Chicago Law School.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 20, 2012
2012 AMAZON BREAKTHROUGH NOVEL - QUARTERFINALIST
Cameron feeds the man he killed to bears in the remote Alaskan wilderness.
How does a lawyer from Texas stray so far from his conventional life? It all changed in an instant, when Cameron shot an intruder in his home. As he lay dying, Cameron’s wife confessed to her affair with the man. Cameron was about to be branded the jealous killer of his wife’s lover. Everything was gone – his marriage, his promising legal career, and his very freedom. Or were they?
The Unmerciful Lawyer is about a life upended and the desperation to return to normalcy. Cameron struggles to hide the truth from those who are searching for the missing man. All the while, his suspicion and mistrust of his wife grow. Will the accidental murderer become a real one? Cameron’s plan to do away with his wife goes awry, and the end game of his future plays out in a Houston courtroom.
Themes of forgiveness weave their way through The Unmerciful Lawyer’s twisting plot, which was inspired by a case the author encountered while working for the United States Court of Appeals.
Cameron feeds the man he killed to bears in the remote Alaskan wilderness.
How does a lawyer from Texas stray so far from his conventional life? It all changed in an instant, when Cameron shot an intruder in his home. As he lay dying, Cameron’s wife confessed to her affair with the man. Cameron was about to be branded the jealous killer of his wife’s lover. Everything was gone – his marriage, his promising legal career, and his very freedom. Or were they?
The Unmerciful Lawyer is about a life upended and the desperation to return to normalcy. Cameron struggles to hide the truth from those who are searching for the missing man. All the while, his suspicion and mistrust of his wife grow. Will the accidental murderer become a real one? Cameron’s plan to do away with his wife goes awry, and the end game of his future plays out in a Houston courtroom.
Themes of forgiveness weave their way through The Unmerciful Lawyer’s twisting plot, which was inspired by a case the author encountered while working for the United States Court of Appeals.
March 26, 2012
I won this books on the goodreads site. The book did have some interesting twists to it as well as some uncomfortable moments. At times I felt as though I was hearing about someone's personal information that I shouldn't have access to. Some parts of the book were a bit predictable, but overall, I enjoyed the book.
February 3, 2012
Interesting story and legal case. Not the greatest writing but fun anyway.
Want to Read
February 1, 2012from a Goodreads ad
February 8, 2012
Received this ARC copy free from Goodreads.com First Reads/giveaways.
Can killing a burglar in self defense turn your world into a living hell and make everything you thought you knew wrong? In this book that is exactly what Cameron wonders and learns. Cameron comes home from a business trip to hear someone enter into his home after him. Thinking it is a burglar Cameron shoots the man, not meaning to kill him, just stop him from burglarizing his home. As him and his wife see the man was shot in the heart and is dead Cameron learns something very disturbing form his wife. This burglar is not a burglar at all, but her secret lover with whom she is having an affair with. Due to this little tidbit of information Cameron and Macie (his wife) choose to not contact the police, but dispose of the body on their own. After the fact Cameron is drawn into a whole tangled web of lies and deceptions form his “wonderful” and “loyal” wife. The love he felt for Macie slowly disappears, but they have a young daughter together so he stays and they make the marriage seem normal and loving. Over the years lots of things come to light about Macie and finally Cameron takes her to the place they went for their honeymoon for a nice vacation. There she is killed in a terrible accident and when Cameron gets back to the U. S. (as the honeymoon spot was in Mexico), he is arrested at the gates in the airport for murdering his wife. He then goes to trial for murder. Did Cameron murder his wife? Would he do that to their daughter Lea? Is everything about the accident as it seems?
This book had a very good plot, that just made perfect sense. I felt horrible for Cameron and his family. The book has a nice flow of events. It also supplies very subtle clues along the way that once things happen you think back to them and go….why didn’t I see that? I thought this book was well written and a good book, however there were a few events that I thought kind of were drawn out. Also, there was quite a bit of “lawyer talk” toward the end for the trial chapters, which, don’t get me wrong, belongs there, but some of it was a bit much and made me feel below the book. It was all pretty easy to figure out when I kept reading, but it just was a bit much for me at times. I loved the way Scott (the author) made me (the reader) wonder about certain things that happen in the trial though. What do I mean by that? Well, I read exactly what happened and knew what Cameron did or didn’t do from reading the book to that point, but when the trial was going on in the book it made me almost forget or second guess what I had read. Made me wonder if I really knew any of what happened. I found myself switching gears to the jury member instead of the “in the loop” reader. I thought that was an amazing thing! THAT is what made Scott Gaille a GREAT author to me, that he could make me switch my frame of mind like that. So…you may be wondering, did Cameron kill his wife? Well, I’m not going to tell you that, you have to read the book to find out! You won’t regret the read at all. I hope you come off as amazed at the writing as I did.
4 out of 5 Stars
Can killing a burglar in self defense turn your world into a living hell and make everything you thought you knew wrong? In this book that is exactly what Cameron wonders and learns. Cameron comes home from a business trip to hear someone enter into his home after him. Thinking it is a burglar Cameron shoots the man, not meaning to kill him, just stop him from burglarizing his home. As him and his wife see the man was shot in the heart and is dead Cameron learns something very disturbing form his wife. This burglar is not a burglar at all, but her secret lover with whom she is having an affair with. Due to this little tidbit of information Cameron and Macie (his wife) choose to not contact the police, but dispose of the body on their own. After the fact Cameron is drawn into a whole tangled web of lies and deceptions form his “wonderful” and “loyal” wife. The love he felt for Macie slowly disappears, but they have a young daughter together so he stays and they make the marriage seem normal and loving. Over the years lots of things come to light about Macie and finally Cameron takes her to the place they went for their honeymoon for a nice vacation. There she is killed in a terrible accident and when Cameron gets back to the U. S. (as the honeymoon spot was in Mexico), he is arrested at the gates in the airport for murdering his wife. He then goes to trial for murder. Did Cameron murder his wife? Would he do that to their daughter Lea? Is everything about the accident as it seems?
This book had a very good plot, that just made perfect sense. I felt horrible for Cameron and his family. The book has a nice flow of events. It also supplies very subtle clues along the way that once things happen you think back to them and go….why didn’t I see that? I thought this book was well written and a good book, however there were a few events that I thought kind of were drawn out. Also, there was quite a bit of “lawyer talk” toward the end for the trial chapters, which, don’t get me wrong, belongs there, but some of it was a bit much and made me feel below the book. It was all pretty easy to figure out when I kept reading, but it just was a bit much for me at times. I loved the way Scott (the author) made me (the reader) wonder about certain things that happen in the trial though. What do I mean by that? Well, I read exactly what happened and knew what Cameron did or didn’t do from reading the book to that point, but when the trial was going on in the book it made me almost forget or second guess what I had read. Made me wonder if I really knew any of what happened. I found myself switching gears to the jury member instead of the “in the loop” reader. I thought that was an amazing thing! THAT is what made Scott Gaille a GREAT author to me, that he could make me switch my frame of mind like that. So…you may be wondering, did Cameron kill his wife? Well, I’m not going to tell you that, you have to read the book to find out! You won’t regret the read at all. I hope you come off as amazed at the writing as I did.
4 out of 5 Stars
February 7, 2012
The Unmerciful Lawyer proceeds like the parts of a trial. One section ends and another begins with nary a transition. But, I guess, that that is to be expected when the writer is an attorney. The opening chapter is pretty evocative. Sufficiently gruesome, it draws you in and makes you want an explanation. It's the back story that is intermittently compelling, believable and incredible!
I liked the book. Despite feeling strong negative sentiments towards the main characters and straining credulity to accept their story, I kept reading. Indeed, I read it in a single sitting in about eight hours. Perhaps the well honed characterization and word diversity made them real, but they were not likeable. I didn't feel like they were unfortunate victims, but self-possessed drivers recklessly building momentum and careening out of control.
Cameron and Macie Cain are an upwardly mobile, young couple that have become so immersed in their careers that they are not able to read the indicators of their failing marriage. They have it all, but it isn't enough. When fate intervenes and forces them to take a long, hard look, their responses form the foundation of the book. Their sobering journeys through hurt, betrayal, deception and lies probably parallel many couples today. It's this raw relateability that will capture the typical reader seeking to find affirmation in the similar struggles of others.
However, it's not just the common occurrences that connect. Author Scott Gaille uses several themes to add layered meaning and multiplicity of messages. There's the title's biblical allusion to the parable of the merciful servant which is a loose thread woven throughout. So too are the fireflies flitting in and out of reach-like the moments of happiness in one’s life. A logical and gradual progression of the facts, mirror a court case being presented. Arguments assertively proffered. In this instance, both sides are right and simultaneously wrong.
The supporting characters are somewhat one-dimensional providing overt explanation and foreshadow to fill the exposition gaps. They are even less likable than the Cains. The scene changes do nothing to alter the situation. Making more pronounced the entrenchment of their woes. There are glimmers of hope and glimpses of joy, usually involving their daughter Lea. She is the one innocent and their singular marital accomplishment.
Throw in the FBI, exotic locales, off-shore accounts, national tragedy, a suspicious car crash, the Department of Justice and a chance at redemption and you’ll have the words that comprise the one hundred and ninety-six pages of this book.
Lovers of cerebral suspense, human drama and legal thriller pay attention. Lest you be unsure about reading it, let me assure you, you will not regret your chance to become familiar with The Unmerciful Lawyer.
I liked the book. Despite feeling strong negative sentiments towards the main characters and straining credulity to accept their story, I kept reading. Indeed, I read it in a single sitting in about eight hours. Perhaps the well honed characterization and word diversity made them real, but they were not likeable. I didn't feel like they were unfortunate victims, but self-possessed drivers recklessly building momentum and careening out of control.
Cameron and Macie Cain are an upwardly mobile, young couple that have become so immersed in their careers that they are not able to read the indicators of their failing marriage. They have it all, but it isn't enough. When fate intervenes and forces them to take a long, hard look, their responses form the foundation of the book. Their sobering journeys through hurt, betrayal, deception and lies probably parallel many couples today. It's this raw relateability that will capture the typical reader seeking to find affirmation in the similar struggles of others.
However, it's not just the common occurrences that connect. Author Scott Gaille uses several themes to add layered meaning and multiplicity of messages. There's the title's biblical allusion to the parable of the merciful servant which is a loose thread woven throughout. So too are the fireflies flitting in and out of reach-like the moments of happiness in one’s life. A logical and gradual progression of the facts, mirror a court case being presented. Arguments assertively proffered. In this instance, both sides are right and simultaneously wrong.
The supporting characters are somewhat one-dimensional providing overt explanation and foreshadow to fill the exposition gaps. They are even less likable than the Cains. The scene changes do nothing to alter the situation. Making more pronounced the entrenchment of their woes. There are glimmers of hope and glimpses of joy, usually involving their daughter Lea. She is the one innocent and their singular marital accomplishment.
Throw in the FBI, exotic locales, off-shore accounts, national tragedy, a suspicious car crash, the Department of Justice and a chance at redemption and you’ll have the words that comprise the one hundred and ninety-six pages of this book.
Lovers of cerebral suspense, human drama and legal thriller pay attention. Lest you be unsure about reading it, let me assure you, you will not regret your chance to become familiar with The Unmerciful Lawyer.
February 26, 2012
Cameron and his wife, Macie, have a problem. Cameron arrives home a day early, and when he hears someone entering his home, he assumes it is an intruder, a burglar. Cameron shoots the man in reaction, thinking he is defending his home and his family.
It is his wife's lover. Rather than reporting things to the police, they act furtively, and are questioned by the FBI....because the guy is missing, but not because they think he is dead.
Cameron and Macie try to put their lives back together after this, but manage to keep things rather messed up.
More death follows, and a trial. Eventually, Cameron's life is put back together, in a whole new direction.
Riveting read, hard to put down.
This was a Goodreads First Reads book.
It is his wife's lover. Rather than reporting things to the police, they act furtively, and are questioned by the FBI....because the guy is missing, but not because they think he is dead.
Cameron and Macie try to put their lives back together after this, but manage to keep things rather messed up.
More death follows, and a trial. Eventually, Cameron's life is put back together, in a whole new direction.
Riveting read, hard to put down.
This was a Goodreads First Reads book.
August 23, 2014
This book was an exceptionally good and easy book to read. I found the characters to be fully built and realized. There was so much I liked about the book that I almost gave it a five star rating but then I remembered the end. I found it to be a bit of a let down. It seemed to me that all the trouble or antihero went through would create and cause more him to be more upset or even violently angry for the ending. That is the only reason I gave it four stars.
The full depth of our hero is well crafted and the focus on him is well done. I have no complaints with that. I am actually glad that there are so many ways to look at the book and it did keep me guessing right up to the end and the verdict was very good.
The full depth of our hero is well crafted and the focus on him is well done. I have no complaints with that. I am actually glad that there are so many ways to look at the book and it did keep me guessing right up to the end and the verdict was very good.
February 17, 2012
An interesting read tinged with a little bit of courtroom drama and a little bit of just real life events. Can't say I was too impressed, but then again I'm not the most lenient reviewer. Let's just say it's Goodreads rating system. Anyways, I thought it was still an interesting story, with the occasional prod here and there to make you want to know answers.
I would recommend this to anyone, generally, that just wants a simple little book to read. You can tell the author is developing, quite well I might add, so don't expect anything bestseller fame here (try being humble). The book isn't long, its actually a short little piece of work. Everything fits nicely in the ~200 odd pages or so of the book.
April 16, 2012
I liked the premise of the book and liked the first half of the story. It just didn't seem realistic that the narrator would stay with his wife after all that if he couldn't resolve his feelings about her. The twist at the end was totally unexpected (and totally unrealistic). This was an interesting diversion, but definitely not a classic....
March 22, 2012
I read the whole book in one day, couldn't put it down. Cameron was able to forgive Macie later, but with the twist and turn in final chapter, he was going to have to continue forgiving. "Forgiveness bears witness that, in our world, love is stronger than sin". CCC
How often must we forgive? "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times."Matthew 18:22.
How often must we forgive? "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times."Matthew 18:22.
February 7, 2012
I think that the writing is great and the story very suspenseful. I finished it in a day... I loved it!!!
May 11, 2012
Lots of twists, turns and wild happenings but when you really stop to think about it, this could really happen to anyone. Enjoyable read and surprise ending.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews