What do you think?
Rate this book
The Mediator
Not yet published
Expected 12 May 26From the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Rich Justice and The Boomerang comes a gripping thriller about a disgraced lawyer facing the legal battle of her life as she tries to redeem herself—and save her son.
Max Ringo was once a courtroom star at an elite law firm. Then a car accident left her addicted to painkillers, and her life dissolved into shambles. Now fresh out of rehab and making a comeback as a mediator, she gets her shot at redemption when she is appointed to handle a high-stakes divorce.
But as Max begins negotiations between the two notorious power players, the trap is already sprung. The husband kidnaps her teenage son, Nathan, and gives her a chilling settle the case on his terms…or the boy dies.
Over three relentless days, Max must resolve a cutthroat legal battle while pursuing a covert mission to rescue Nathan. She’ll risk everything—her career, her freedom, her life—to beat a ruthless adversary at his own game. Even when a shadowy syndicate enters the fray and bodies start to drop, only one thing matters. She must bring her son home, whatever the cost.
Max Ringo was once a courtroom star at an elite law firm. Then a car accident left her addicted to painkillers, and her life dissolved into shambles. Now fresh out of rehab and making a comeback as a mediator, she gets her shot at redemption when she is appointed to handle a high-stakes divorce.
But as Max begins negotiations between the two notorious power players, the trap is already sprung. The husband kidnaps her teenage son, Nathan, and gives her a chilling settle the case on his terms…or the boy dies.
Over three relentless days, Max must resolve a cutthroat legal battle while pursuing a covert mission to rescue Nathan. She’ll risk everything—her career, her freedom, her life—to beat a ruthless adversary at his own game. Even when a shadowy syndicate enters the fray and bodies start to drop, only one thing matters. She must bring her son home, whatever the cost.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 12, 2026
1 person is currently reading
36 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 3, 2026
Robert Bailey has done it again! I've read and loved all his books and couldn't wait to read this one. Set in North Alabama close to my hometown, Max Ringo, Book One, is the first book of a new series. Max was a very talented lawyer at a very prestigious law firm in Huntsville Alabama until a terrible car accident left her addicted to painkillers. Fresh out of rehab having lost her law license Max is starting over as a mediator. Just a few cases into her new career she is assigned to a nasty divorce mediation between two power players plus a power hungry father in law. The husband has kidnapped Max's teenage son and has threatened to kill him unless his terms are met. How will Max convince the two parties to come to an agreement while also finding and rescuing her son? I love how she gets help from two of my favorite characters of the author's earlier series. This thrilling storyline takes place over only three packed days. This book has surprises up until the very end. I think I am going to love this new series and I can't wait for the next book. Thanks @NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I loved it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mediator by Robert Bailey is another strong entry from an author whose work I’ve consistently enjoyed. Having read all of his previous novels, especially the Bocephus Haynes and Jason Rich books, I came in with high expectations, and for the most part, this novel delivered.
The story centers on Max Ringo, a former attorney and recovering addict who is rebuilding her life and reentering the legal world as a mediator. When she becomes entangled in what initially appears to be a routine divorce mediation, the situation quickly spirals into something far darker and more complex. The plot is packed with twists and turns, and the story kept me hooked all the way through, including several moments that genuinely blindsided me.
One of Bailey’s consistent strengths, and something I deeply appreciate, shows up again here: his treatment of addiction. Rather than portraying addiction as a moral failure, Bailey presents it as an illness that recovery is possible from. His characters are shown rebuilding their lives, acknowledging both progress and ongoing struggle. It’s a realistic and compassionate approach that adds real depth to the story.
My one significant disappointment was the amount of foul language used throughout the book. Bailey’s earlier works contained very little strong language, which I always appreciated, but this novel includes far more profanity—particularly repeated use of the f-word—than his previous books. It didn’t ruin the story, but it was noticeable enough to detract from my enjoyment at times. Reader beware.
Overall, The Mediator is a fast-paced, twist-filled legal thriller that showcases Bailey’s storytelling strengths while introducing a compelling new lead character. Despite my reservations about the language, this was still an excellent read and one I’d recommend to fans of his work and readers who enjoy intense legal suspense with emotional depth.
**I am grateful for Thomas and Mercer Publishers for an advanced copy of this book.
The story centers on Max Ringo, a former attorney and recovering addict who is rebuilding her life and reentering the legal world as a mediator. When she becomes entangled in what initially appears to be a routine divorce mediation, the situation quickly spirals into something far darker and more complex. The plot is packed with twists and turns, and the story kept me hooked all the way through, including several moments that genuinely blindsided me.
One of Bailey’s consistent strengths, and something I deeply appreciate, shows up again here: his treatment of addiction. Rather than portraying addiction as a moral failure, Bailey presents it as an illness that recovery is possible from. His characters are shown rebuilding their lives, acknowledging both progress and ongoing struggle. It’s a realistic and compassionate approach that adds real depth to the story.
My one significant disappointment was the amount of foul language used throughout the book. Bailey’s earlier works contained very little strong language, which I always appreciated, but this novel includes far more profanity—particularly repeated use of the f-word—than his previous books. It didn’t ruin the story, but it was noticeable enough to detract from my enjoyment at times. Reader beware.
Overall, The Mediator is a fast-paced, twist-filled legal thriller that showcases Bailey’s storytelling strengths while introducing a compelling new lead character. Despite my reservations about the language, this was still an excellent read and one I’d recommend to fans of his work and readers who enjoy intense legal suspense with emotional depth.
**I am grateful for Thomas and Mercer Publishers for an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This novel launches a gripping new series by following Max Ringo, a once brilliant attorney whose life has been reshaped by trauma and hard won recovery. Now rebuilding her career as a mediator, she’s thrust into a volatile divorce case that quickly spirals far beyond legal wrangling. When her son is taken hostage as leverage, Max is forced into an impossible balancing act, untangling a vicious dispute while secretly racing against the clock to save him. The entire story unfolds over an intense three day window, creating a relentless pace that keeps the tension sharp and the stakes deeply personal. It’s a setup that blends legal intrigue with emotional urgency, making the narrative feel charged with danger and momentum from the outset.
What elevates the book is the depth given to Max herself flawed, resilient, and shaped by a past she can’t quite outrun. The supporting cast adds texture to the mystery, and even when the plot grows crowded, the twists land with impact. Bailey’s writing shines in the way he layers action, vulnerability, and sharp courtroom strategy, crafting a thriller that’s both propulsive and emotionally grounded. The short chapters, brisk pacing, and escalating threats make it easy to devour in a single sitting. Fans of legal suspense will appreciate the blend of character complexity and high stakes plotting, and the series shows strong promise for readers who enjoy thrillers driven by grit, heart, and escalating tension.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
What elevates the book is the depth given to Max herself flawed, resilient, and shaped by a past she can’t quite outrun. The supporting cast adds texture to the mystery, and even when the plot grows crowded, the twists land with impact. Bailey’s writing shines in the way he layers action, vulnerability, and sharp courtroom strategy, crafting a thriller that’s both propulsive and emotionally grounded. The short chapters, brisk pacing, and escalating threats make it easy to devour in a single sitting. Fans of legal suspense will appreciate the blend of character complexity and high stakes plotting, and the series shows strong promise for readers who enjoy thrillers driven by grit, heart, and escalating tension.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another great novel by Robert Bailey. Having read and loved The Boomerang. I had very high expectations, and if anything, they were exceeded.
This story featured Max Ringo, former attorney, recovered drug addict, mother of Nate. She is now a Mediator trying to work her way back up in the legal system in Huntsville, Alabama.
Max has been recommended by her former bestie Judge Caroline Parker to meditate a divorce settlement between two parties who have a lot to lose/gain. The book covers a three day period in which much transpired and the parties involved seem to take no prisoners.
Bailey's deep characterization of Moe is brilliant. We see how broken she is and how much her past continues to impact her decisions and actions. I will say there were a few unnecessary players-seemed to complicate the plot more than it needed to. For this reason, I gave the read a 4.5 rating rounded up to 5.
Other characters are not as developed, but that supports plot development and adds to the "whodunnit". So much so that I sat up and said out loud "really?" Never who have got that one.
Shout out to NetGalley and Publisher Thomas & Mercer on exchange for this honest review.
This story featured Max Ringo, former attorney, recovered drug addict, mother of Nate. She is now a Mediator trying to work her way back up in the legal system in Huntsville, Alabama.
Max has been recommended by her former bestie Judge Caroline Parker to meditate a divorce settlement between two parties who have a lot to lose/gain. The book covers a three day period in which much transpired and the parties involved seem to take no prisoners.
Bailey's deep characterization of Moe is brilliant. We see how broken she is and how much her past continues to impact her decisions and actions. I will say there were a few unnecessary players-seemed to complicate the plot more than it needed to. For this reason, I gave the read a 4.5 rating rounded up to 5.
Other characters are not as developed, but that supports plot development and adds to the "whodunnit". So much so that I sat up and said out loud "really?" Never who have got that one.
Shout out to NetGalley and Publisher Thomas & Mercer on exchange for this honest review.
December 22, 2025
Robert Bailey continues to impress me with his writing. Each time I read one of his books, I get excited–knowing it will be an entertaining read.
I was immediately hooked by reading the first page. I knew from that I would be completely locked in. From the colorful, very frayed, and believable characters to the powerful storytelling Robert Bailey provided, I enjoyed reading this book.
What I liked most about THE MEDIATOR was the vulnerability each character had. It will have you emotionally invested. And the storyline was top-notch. You could tell Mr. Bailey researched everything right to the letter. As a reader, I greatly appreciated this.
The ending, though, was chef kiss! It ended as the new book could be in the wings. If so, I will be reading. If not, the story could end there and go into the sunset. Either way, I would be okay with it.
I highly recommend legal thriller enthusiasts add THE MEDIATOR to their virtual and/or physical bookcase. Outstanding storytelling!
I was immediately hooked by reading the first page. I knew from that I would be completely locked in. From the colorful, very frayed, and believable characters to the powerful storytelling Robert Bailey provided, I enjoyed reading this book.
What I liked most about THE MEDIATOR was the vulnerability each character had. It will have you emotionally invested. And the storyline was top-notch. You could tell Mr. Bailey researched everything right to the letter. As a reader, I greatly appreciated this.
The ending, though, was chef kiss! It ended as the new book could be in the wings. If so, I will be reading. If not, the story could end there and go into the sunset. Either way, I would be okay with it.
I highly recommend legal thriller enthusiasts add THE MEDIATOR to their virtual and/or physical bookcase. Outstanding storytelling!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Robert Bailey is a rising star amongst thriller writers with the ability to create and develop memorable leading characters.
Max Ringo is a marvellous invention. A superstar litigator whose career came to a grinding halt after injuries sustained in an accident led to her becoming hooked on opioids and her career crashed and burned.
Now she’s on the way back up agsin taking her first faltering steps as a mediator and her first big case is a doozy - a bitter divorce battle involving ownership of a multibillion company.
There are thrills and spills aplenty and much to get your teeth in and best of all there’s a return for Jason Rich too.
What more can you ask for.
The Boomerang was a good standalone but here Bailey has created a character who will hopefully make a welcome reappearance in his next book.
Highly recommended.
Max Ringo is a marvellous invention. A superstar litigator whose career came to a grinding halt after injuries sustained in an accident led to her becoming hooked on opioids and her career crashed and burned.
Now she’s on the way back up agsin taking her first faltering steps as a mediator and her first big case is a doozy - a bitter divorce battle involving ownership of a multibillion company.
There are thrills and spills aplenty and much to get your teeth in and best of all there’s a return for Jason Rich too.
What more can you ask for.
The Boomerang was a good standalone but here Bailey has created a character who will hopefully make a welcome reappearance in his next book.
Highly recommended.
December 24, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC of The Mediator.
This was my first Robert Bailey novel and I will definitely be checking out more of his catalogue. I enjoyed his writing style and character development. I did like the female main character and felt a connection to her and her storyline.
The only negative I’d say about this is there are a lot of characters and it was difficult for me to keep them all straight. Two of them even had similar names (Wick and Hicks) so that didn’t make it any easier. Otherwise great and unique storyline.
This was my first Robert Bailey novel and I will definitely be checking out more of his catalogue. I enjoyed his writing style and character development. I did like the female main character and felt a connection to her and her storyline.
The only negative I’d say about this is there are a lot of characters and it was difficult for me to keep them all straight. Two of them even had similar names (Wick and Hicks) so that didn’t make it any easier. Otherwise great and unique storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mediator by Robert Bailey Fast-paced legal thriller with multiple layers and an intriguing cast of characters that were not always likeable but believable and relatable. Engrossing with unforgettable twists with surprising and extraordinary ending. The first book in the new Max Ringo Series and am ready to read more about Max and her cases. In awe as how much action and content Mr. Bailey incorporates into his stories. Highly recommended.
Thank you to Robert Bailey, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Thank you to Robert Bailey, Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley for the opportunity to preview the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mediator by new to me author Robert Bailey published by Thomas & Mercer is a thriller of its finest. I started reading and soon I was engrossed, couldn't put the book down and read the story cover to cover in one single sitting.
This is the first book in the new Max Ringo Series and what I most liked was the characters are flawed,the heroine has a mixed past just like her sidekicks that are struggling on their own.
A fantastic 5 stars read.
This is the first book in the new Max Ringo Series and what I most liked was the characters are flawed,the heroine has a mixed past just like her sidekicks that are struggling on their own.
A fantastic 5 stars read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Great new protagonist. I’m looking forward to a series with this new character. (I was disappointed that I couldn’t read this on Kindle; my phone is much harder on my eyes.) I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.
January 17, 2026
I love a Robert Bailey legal thriller and this one did not disappoint. Great pacing, short chapters, complex plot lines…overall a solid read. 4.25 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
January 24, 2026
I’m really enjoying this author’s work—the characters are fantastic, and the surprises endings you never see coming.
Thanks, NetGalley, for sending me an advance copy.
Thanks, NetGalley, for sending me an advance copy.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews