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Joe Dillard #7
A Crime of Passion
A beautiful, young, rising star in the country music world is found dead in a Nashville hotel room.
The owner of her record company is charged with murder.
In the seventh installment of Scott Pratt's bestselling Joe Dillard series, Dillard is hired to travel to Tennessee's capital city to defend Paul Milius, a record company baron accused of strangling Kasey Cartwright, his label's young star. Dillard navigates Nashville's unfamiliar legal system and the world of country music in search of the truth, but he soon finds himself confronted with a web of lies so masterfully woven that he fears he may never find any answers. As the trial begins and the tension mounts, Dillard fears that not only will his client be wrongfully convicted, but that Dillard himself may not survive.
"If you like Reacher, the Lincoln Lawyer, Jake Brigance and Paul Madriani, you'll be excited to meet Joe Dillard!" --Amazon Five-Star Review
"I predict it won't be long before you see Scott Pratt's name mentioned with Lee Child, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, and Steve Martini when critics talk about legal/crime fiction." --Amazon Five-Star Review
"Every bit as good as Grisham! Superb characterization, suspense, drama." --Amazon Five-Star Review
"I love the Dillard Series by Scott Pratt. As a retired attorney who practiced transactional law and not civil or criminal litigation, I appreciate the way Scott reveals the tension between defense attorneys and prosecutors, the prejudices of both toward each other, the Judge, and law enforcement." --Amazon Five-Star Review
The owner of her record company is charged with murder.
In the seventh installment of Scott Pratt's bestselling Joe Dillard series, Dillard is hired to travel to Tennessee's capital city to defend Paul Milius, a record company baron accused of strangling Kasey Cartwright, his label's young star. Dillard navigates Nashville's unfamiliar legal system and the world of country music in search of the truth, but he soon finds himself confronted with a web of lies so masterfully woven that he fears he may never find any answers. As the trial begins and the tension mounts, Dillard fears that not only will his client be wrongfully convicted, but that Dillard himself may not survive.
"If you like Reacher, the Lincoln Lawyer, Jake Brigance and Paul Madriani, you'll be excited to meet Joe Dillard!" --Amazon Five-Star Review
"I predict it won't be long before you see Scott Pratt's name mentioned with Lee Child, Michael Connelly, John Grisham, and Steve Martini when critics talk about legal/crime fiction." --Amazon Five-Star Review
"Every bit as good as Grisham! Superb characterization, suspense, drama." --Amazon Five-Star Review
"I love the Dillard Series by Scott Pratt. As a retired attorney who practiced transactional law and not civil or criminal litigation, I appreciate the way Scott reveals the tension between defense attorneys and prosecutors, the prejudices of both toward each other, the Judge, and law enforcement." --Amazon Five-Star Review
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2014
9406 people are currently reading
1749 people want to read
About the author
Scott Pratt
59 books1,566 followersScott Pratt is a Wall Street Journal and Amazon Bestselling Author whose books have sold more than five million copies. He was born in South Haven, Michigan, and grew up in Jonesborough, Tennessee. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from East Tennessee State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Tennessee. He lived in Johnson City, Tennessee until his tragic, untimely passing in November of 2018.
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
This page is maintained by his family. We're finishing up all of the projects he was working on when he passed away. If you'd like to stay up to date on that progress, or if you'd just like to say hello, you can visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/19664...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 617 reviews
April 30, 2021
This is book seven of the Joe Dillard series. I have enjoyed the series so far, and this book does not disappoint.
There was less action in this book compared to prior books, but a bit more courtroom drama than the previous book. The book also provides a peek into the recording industry of Nashville, Tennessee. I was a bit surprised by the ending of the story. If you are looking for an interesting legal thriller series, you might want to take a look at this series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is six hours and sixteen minutes. Tim Campbell does an excellent job narrating the book. Campbell is an actor and Audie Award winning audiobook narrator.
There was less action in this book compared to prior books, but a bit more courtroom drama than the previous book. The book also provides a peek into the recording industry of Nashville, Tennessee. I was a bit surprised by the ending of the story. If you are looking for an interesting legal thriller series, you might want to take a look at this series.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is six hours and sixteen minutes. Tim Campbell does an excellent job narrating the book. Campbell is an actor and Audie Award winning audiobook narrator.
May 24, 2016
Very good book definitely a page turner and definitely something a bit different then his series with Joe Dillard. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a good thriller.
December 10, 2014
A Crime of Passion is the 7th Joe Dillard novel. Scott Pratt is a wonderful storyteller. This one has Joe going to Nashville to defend a record mogul against murder charges. All sorts of complications arise. This one has lots of suspense, tension, and excellent characterizations. I've enjoyed every one of the Joe Dillard novels, without exception, and this one reads as smooth as glass. Kudos to the author!
Mark Rubinstein,
Author of Mad Dog Justice
Mark Rubinstein,
Author of Mad Dog Justice
December 18, 2014
Pratt returns with another Joe Dillard novel, sure to entertain those who love the legal thriller genre. Just as Dillard is keeping things balanced at home around the holidays, a call comes in, seeking some high-profile legal representation down in Nashville. Dillard agrees to the high retainer, hesitant that his personal life might be a house of cards ready to fall. When an up and coming country singer is found dead in her hotel room, the well-to-do music producer is the prime suspect, especially after a highly-public confrontation. His sex addiction issues rampant and rumoured illicit relationship with young Kasey Cartwright, Paul Milius must clear his name before it's too late. Meanwhile, whispers of a hit man being put in place to remove both Cartwright and Milius from the scene keeps Dillard on his toes if he hopes to put that before the court and clear his client. Wonderfully told and with a great legal twist, Pratt has made a name for himself in the genre, as well as the larger writing community. Proof positive that indie writers can make waves amongst those shrouded by big publishing houses.
I remember stumbling onto a Scott Pratt book one day in he library, unsure what to expect of a legal thriller set in Tennessee. By the time I finished the first novel, I was hooked and could not get enough. It's not finely tuned legal drama, nor are the stories filled with a great deal of character build-up. They are simple in their creation and allow the reader to get a quick and yet thorough view of the big picture story. Pratt knows how to mix lawyering with personal story to keep Dillard from becoming too one-dimensional, especially with the great nuances the larger Dillard storyline. With some twists and turns throughout, Pratt delivers a nicely honed book, sure to impress his readership.
Kudos, Mr. Pratt for your wonderful story and great addition to the series.
I remember stumbling onto a Scott Pratt book one day in he library, unsure what to expect of a legal thriller set in Tennessee. By the time I finished the first novel, I was hooked and could not get enough. It's not finely tuned legal drama, nor are the stories filled with a great deal of character build-up. They are simple in their creation and allow the reader to get a quick and yet thorough view of the big picture story. Pratt knows how to mix lawyering with personal story to keep Dillard from becoming too one-dimensional, especially with the great nuances the larger Dillard storyline. With some twists and turns throughout, Pratt delivers a nicely honed book, sure to impress his readership.
Kudos, Mr. Pratt for your wonderful story and great addition to the series.
February 3, 2024
**** FOUR STARS
I just finished reading Crime Of Passion by self-published author Scott Pratt. It is the 7th Book in a series which features attorney and former Army Ranger Joe Dillard.
His outstanding debut novel An Innocent Client made me a fan of Pratt's protagonist Joe Dillard right out of the gate, and as a result I followed Joe's exploits from Book #2 through Book #4. I subsequently walked away from Joe's adventures with the legal system, the lawless, and automatic weapons for a period of time.
This month I decided to return to my collection of novels by Scott Pratt, and have finished Books #5 through #7 at this point. Crime Of Passion was a refreshing surprise.
I've always liked this author's style of writing and on this go around the plot was an interesting story line that managed to engage my interest throughout the book. The courtroom drama was Joe at his best and I felt like it was outstanding at this point.
I feel a little conflicted about the jury's verdict, and particularly about the karma that came to visit the story's villains at the end of the tale. Having said that, this book stands tall among the installments #2 through #6. I rated this book 4 Stars and would recommend it to a friend.
I just finished reading Crime Of Passion by self-published author Scott Pratt. It is the 7th Book in a series which features attorney and former Army Ranger Joe Dillard.
His outstanding debut novel An Innocent Client made me a fan of Pratt's protagonist Joe Dillard right out of the gate, and as a result I followed Joe's exploits from Book #2 through Book #4. I subsequently walked away from Joe's adventures with the legal system, the lawless, and automatic weapons for a period of time.
This month I decided to return to my collection of novels by Scott Pratt, and have finished Books #5 through #7 at this point. Crime Of Passion was a refreshing surprise.
I've always liked this author's style of writing and on this go around the plot was an interesting story line that managed to engage my interest throughout the book. The courtroom drama was Joe at his best and I felt like it was outstanding at this point.
I feel a little conflicted about the jury's verdict, and particularly about the karma that came to visit the story's villains at the end of the tale. Having said that, this book stands tall among the installments #2 through #6. I rated this book 4 Stars and would recommend it to a friend.
April 20, 2016
The last novel in the Joe Dillard series. I put it off awhile, as I was sad to see it come to an end. I absolutely love the character of Joe Dillard. Every woman's dream of a husband, father, and ethical kind-hearted human being.
In this one, the case he reluctantly takes on is to defend a rich client, owner of a musical record company. The man is accused of murdering one of his stars, an 18-year old with a voice that has already brought him significant revenue, and a future filled with promise in country music. The setting is Nashville. Why would a man murder a star that is bringing him in so much money? Is he really guilty, or is someone setting him up?
Not my favorite of his cases, but all the novels in the series are good. I love the personal story of Joe and the wife he loves so much fighting cancer, and how it is affecting his small family. Definitely worth the time to read this series, and the very little financial investment, makes it a no-brainer.
Hopefully, author Pratt will pick up a new series once Joe's son, Jack is ready to follow in his dad's footsteps. I've enjoyed this so much, Mr. Pratt :)
In this one, the case he reluctantly takes on is to defend a rich client, owner of a musical record company. The man is accused of murdering one of his stars, an 18-year old with a voice that has already brought him significant revenue, and a future filled with promise in country music. The setting is Nashville. Why would a man murder a star that is bringing him in so much money? Is he really guilty, or is someone setting him up?
Not my favorite of his cases, but all the novels in the series are good. I love the personal story of Joe and the wife he loves so much fighting cancer, and how it is affecting his small family. Definitely worth the time to read this series, and the very little financial investment, makes it a no-brainer.
Hopefully, author Pratt will pick up a new series once Joe's son, Jack is ready to follow in his dad's footsteps. I've enjoyed this so much, Mr. Pratt :)
May 20, 2019
In Crime of Passion, Joe Dillard gets offered a million dollar to defend a wealthy country music mogul who's accused of killing a young and upcoming female country star, with whom he allegedly has had an affair.
What's interesting, is that the story is told so that the reader already knows who ordered the killing and it's nowhere near what the public thinks. It's actually fun to witness Joe Dillard catching up to the truth, which he does. Will he be able to exonerate his client, that's the question. This was an absolute enjoyable book, but nothing extraordinary. Still good - still fun, and deserving of 3 stars.
What's interesting, is that the story is told so that the reader already knows who ordered the killing and it's nowhere near what the public thinks. It's actually fun to witness Joe Dillard catching up to the truth, which he does. Will he be able to exonerate his client, that's the question. This was an absolute enjoyable book, but nothing extraordinary. Still good - still fun, and deserving of 3 stars.
January 5, 2015
Passion or hateful very rich people?
Wow that was one incredible drone. Nashville, country music's young star murdered and Dillard was hired to defend Paul Milius, a rich record company owner. Good story, doesn't give any who done it brain work. At the courtroom one time at the beginning judge sewers witness, next time clerk and bailiff and no response all during the trail from the accused. For me was good light reading, but I read other books from this author that was very good.
Wow that was one incredible drone. Nashville, country music's young star murdered and Dillard was hired to defend Paul Milius, a rich record company owner. Good story, doesn't give any who done it brain work. At the courtroom one time at the beginning judge sewers witness, next time clerk and bailiff and no response all during the trail from the accused. For me was good light reading, but I read other books from this author that was very good.
July 9, 2020
Scott Pratt and his Joe Dillard series has been a favorite of mine since forever it seems. The thing that makes this series absolutely outstanding is that it's a fiction series with a non-fiction feeling. If you enjoy suspense...legal intrigue...and just well written books with believable and likable characters...then you should give Joe Dillard a try. The books are a series but they are written so that they can easily be read as standalone.
January 23, 2019
I think I have only two more books left in the Joe Dillard series and that makes me sad. I think Scott Pratt has done a GREAT job creating his characters and telling his stories. He is every bit as good as Patterson or Baldacci or Grisham. I've truly enjoyed this series and I'm glad that I "found" Scott Pratt!
March 17, 2016
great read, just like the earlier Joe Dillard series. would recommend.
April 13, 2016
Better than average book from the Joe Dillard series. Kept me far more interested than some in series.
November 13, 2019
Another quick, entertaining read in the Joe Dillard series. Bonus points for the part where two of the main characters had dinner at Stoney River in Cool Springs.
Read
September 5, 2022I’m finding his books less enjoyable…so many random scenes that occurred with a lack of depth (the road rage scene with Jack..what was the point of that). Would move on to something else but I downloaded these before vacation so I’m trying to get through then but the series definitely has gotten less interesting
October 11, 2017
A little disappointing. I love the Joe Dillard books, and this one had me in the beginning. It lost me in the last few chapters. They were so unrealistic...
December 3, 2018
This is the seventh installment of the Joe Dillard series. Joe is the type of attorney the reader has to fall in love with. There isn’t any room for any ‘lawyer jokes’ with this character. What I love about Joe is that he shoots straight from the hip—no chaser! You either accept what he has to tell you, or you don’t, but not matter what, Joe is going to do what is best for him.
With his wife still battling cancer, Joe had a very important decision to make. He’s been offered a million dollars to handle an extremely high-profile case of record company mogul, Paul Milius. Paul is accused of murdering one of his star recording artist. The first thing that struck Joe as odd, including myself, I might add, is why on earth would this man murder his highest grossing recording artist? Paul would have to be the biggest fool in Tennessee. But, as the reader continues on the journey with Joe, it soon becomes apparent, that what we’re being told, isn’t quite the whole story.
While Joe is fighting it out with his new client, his family is a little disturbed that he’d take this job in the first place, considering what his wife is going through. Joe’s family should have known there was no cause for concern, because Joe’s wife, his love of his life and voice of reason, instructed her husband to take the case. It’s not every day a client comes to you offering a million dollar retainer to try his case. As Joe gets to the nitty and gritty of the story, the reader will soon discover that Paul Milius may have more to hide than what you see on the surface.
As usual, Pratt is one of my all-time favorite legal authors for a reason. His Joe Dillard series is outstanding and feels so real. I honestly forget Joe isn’t a real person, but he sure does feel real to me. I would love to see this series up on the silver screen. I think it would make for a great box office hit. Well done, Pratt! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
With his wife still battling cancer, Joe had a very important decision to make. He’s been offered a million dollars to handle an extremely high-profile case of record company mogul, Paul Milius. Paul is accused of murdering one of his star recording artist. The first thing that struck Joe as odd, including myself, I might add, is why on earth would this man murder his highest grossing recording artist? Paul would have to be the biggest fool in Tennessee. But, as the reader continues on the journey with Joe, it soon becomes apparent, that what we’re being told, isn’t quite the whole story.
While Joe is fighting it out with his new client, his family is a little disturbed that he’d take this job in the first place, considering what his wife is going through. Joe’s family should have known there was no cause for concern, because Joe’s wife, his love of his life and voice of reason, instructed her husband to take the case. It’s not every day a client comes to you offering a million dollar retainer to try his case. As Joe gets to the nitty and gritty of the story, the reader will soon discover that Paul Milius may have more to hide than what you see on the surface.
As usual, Pratt is one of my all-time favorite legal authors for a reason. His Joe Dillard series is outstanding and feels so real. I honestly forget Joe isn’t a real person, but he sure does feel real to me. I would love to see this series up on the silver screen. I think it would make for a great box office hit. Well done, Pratt! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 23, 2015
I have become invested in Joe Dillard and those that surround him. Success on the part of Scott Pratt! I find myself rooting for Joe in his legal efforts and especially for Joe and his wife (Caroline's) never-ending fight against cancer. It is wonderful to portray a strong couple, who even though they have their differences (opinions, strengths, personalities, etc), know what is important and have the strength as a couple to fight together and maintain that wonderful and strong relationship. I am pulling for their fight.
A Crime of Passion was a very well written story and introduced characters that I loved to hate. Kept me reading and on the edge of my seat. Once again I find myself looking forward to the next in the series.
A Crime of Passion was a very well written story and introduced characters that I loved to hate. Kept me reading and on the edge of my seat. Once again I find myself looking forward to the next in the series.
January 22, 2021
great story and Joe's clients were horrible people. he has a lot of patience.
October 31, 2021
Not quite as good as others in the Dillard series - good narrative but a weak ending
September 17, 2023
Audiobook.
Legal, investigative, and police procedurals. Joe Dillard is a criminal defense lawyer with flaws - specifically, a short fuse nearly always directed toward someone anyone would like to punch out. Joe is fiercely defensive of his family, particularly his wife. From early in the series, Caroline's battle with cancer is almost another character. The legal community respects Joe, and he has influential friends, including the local sheriff and law enforcement, rare for a defense attorney. Each book consists of a stand-alone story of rape, murder, missing people, mobs, addicts, crooked cops, devious politicians, amoral judges, and more - each story is unique and creative. Read in sequence for continuity and character development.
Liked. Stories! It's just a great series with excellent, page-turning plots. No sex, no objectionable language. No trouble discerning who is speaking to whom. Narration and production are fine.
Not so hot. Not much! Bumped the audio speed on the iPhone to 1.4 - a preference, not criticism.
The series consists of 10 full-length novels. Books 1-4 and 5-8 are available in two box sets, books 9 and 10 in separate purchases. Well worth the investment. Written by Scott Pratt, narrated by Tim Campbell, over 70 hours of listening in unabridged format, released from September 22 through June 2023.
Looking for a good series? Here ya go!!
Legal, investigative, and police procedurals. Joe Dillard is a criminal defense lawyer with flaws - specifically, a short fuse nearly always directed toward someone anyone would like to punch out. Joe is fiercely defensive of his family, particularly his wife. From early in the series, Caroline's battle with cancer is almost another character. The legal community respects Joe, and he has influential friends, including the local sheriff and law enforcement, rare for a defense attorney. Each book consists of a stand-alone story of rape, murder, missing people, mobs, addicts, crooked cops, devious politicians, amoral judges, and more - each story is unique and creative. Read in sequence for continuity and character development.
Liked. Stories! It's just a great series with excellent, page-turning plots. No sex, no objectionable language. No trouble discerning who is speaking to whom. Narration and production are fine.
Not so hot. Not much! Bumped the audio speed on the iPhone to 1.4 - a preference, not criticism.
The series consists of 10 full-length novels. Books 1-4 and 5-8 are available in two box sets, books 9 and 10 in separate purchases. Well worth the investment. Written by Scott Pratt, narrated by Tim Campbell, over 70 hours of listening in unabridged format, released from September 22 through June 2023.
Looking for a good series? Here ya go!!
March 11, 2022
This started out as a 4-star story, but I was so disappointed in the ending that I dropped the rating to 3 stars.
*SPOILER ALERT*
There is no mystery in the story since the killer is known at the outset. The story builds up to the trial which is where the book falls flat. The story ends suddenly with a mysterious person appearing out of nowhere and explaining what really happened in the hotel room. It was beyond any plausibility that the hired assassin would show up to testify just because he felt Lana owed him money. His story was painted by the prosecution as outlandish which is understandable, but I still find it hard to believe the trial wouldn't have ended with a hung jury especially with the other doubts raised by the defense. The story goes even further off the rails at the very end with the hired assassin's visit to Xanadu.
Finally, although I understand why the author writes about Caroline's cancer, it really adds nothing to the story. The story would have been much better if he had spent his time writing a better ending rather than describing the medical treatments of the protagonist's wife and his guilt for taking the case. I had high hopes for the book but was disappointed.
*SPOILER ALERT*
There is no mystery in the story since the killer is known at the outset. The story builds up to the trial which is where the book falls flat. The story ends suddenly with a mysterious person appearing out of nowhere and explaining what really happened in the hotel room. It was beyond any plausibility that the hired assassin would show up to testify just because he felt Lana owed him money. His story was painted by the prosecution as outlandish which is understandable, but I still find it hard to believe the trial wouldn't have ended with a hung jury especially with the other doubts raised by the defense. The story goes even further off the rails at the very end with the hired assassin's visit to Xanadu.
Finally, although I understand why the author writes about Caroline's cancer, it really adds nothing to the story. The story would have been much better if he had spent his time writing a better ending rather than describing the medical treatments of the protagonist's wife and his guilt for taking the case. I had high hopes for the book but was disappointed.
July 10, 2018
Scott Pratt's Joe Dillard series is entertaining. I read book one and now book 8 and want togoback to 2 and so on. Pratt has developed a character, Joe Dillard that is 3 dimensional. Dillard plays a defense attorney who suffers loathing from most because the judge often assigns him clients guilty of heinous crimes. However in this book a friend in law enforcement recommends him to defend an wealthy record mogal innocent of murdering a young country singer superstar who he discovered and represents on his label. I won't spoil the book by revealing the winding plot but I can briefly describe the character. Dillard believes it's wrong for our government to kill for having killed. He believes in the constitutional right of a fair and speedy trial no matter if the creep did terrible things. He tries to bargain for life for instance, instead of execution. Dillard is also a former Ranger, he fought in Grenada and he get's violent sometimes.
February 16, 2021
I found myself at a loss when I finished book six in the Joe Dillard series and was forced to find another book to read whilst I waited for books seven through nine! But, finally, they arrived and I set aside the other book and dove into "A Crime of Passion." I was happy to see the return of Joe taking up the majority of the story as he sets off to defend a rich record company mogul. From the start, we know the setup, but will Joe be able to prove "who done it!"? Together with his small team - his son, Jack, and his girlfriend, Charlie - they put together the best defense possible. However, the individuals who can totally exonerate the accused are in hiding and refuse to come forward publicly! Another page-turner that is well worth the few hours it will take to finish, so pour yourself a cup of your favorite beverage and take off for another Joe Dillard adventure.
September 29, 2024
The cops in Nashville are singing sweet country harmony when they accuse the fictional record baron Paul Milius of strangling teenage rising star Kasey Cartwright to death. They have his DNA in her mouth; he has a nasty wound on his hand. He admits to going into the hotel room where she was in the early hours of the morning of her death. He even admits he slapped her face but won’t say why. But he vehemently insists he didn’t kill the girl.
He hires Joe Dillard whose domestic struggles would be enough to prevent a lesser lawyer from taking the case, to defend him. Joe agrees.
The deception Joe experiences as he interweaves his life with those of the country music elite is breathtaking. Neither Paul nor his drunken slut wife are likable characters. There’s good courtroom drama in here if you like that stuff, and I do. I loved the ending. I was inordinately pleased with it.
He hires Joe Dillard whose domestic struggles would be enough to prevent a lesser lawyer from taking the case, to defend him. Joe agrees.
The deception Joe experiences as he interweaves his life with those of the country music elite is breathtaking. Neither Paul nor his drunken slut wife are likable characters. There’s good courtroom drama in here if you like that stuff, and I do. I loved the ending. I was inordinately pleased with it.
April 5, 2022
The entire Dillard series is Spectacular
The first Joe Dillard book was a freebie. I read it in a couple of days. I have now purchased and read the next 6 and I'm continuing to love each one. I was sorry to find out that this Great Author, Mr Scott Pratt, has passed away. I love his writing so much and I feel honored to have found his writings. I'm looking forward to books 8 and 9 and also No 10 that his son is going to complete in his Father's legacy. Prayers and sympathy to the family. I can see what a great support he was to all of you from his writings; especially the family oriented love his character Joe Dillard possesses. Tough when he has to be but always love and support for his family. RIP Mr Pratt
The first Joe Dillard book was a freebie. I read it in a couple of days. I have now purchased and read the next 6 and I'm continuing to love each one. I was sorry to find out that this Great Author, Mr Scott Pratt, has passed away. I love his writing so much and I feel honored to have found his writings. I'm looking forward to books 8 and 9 and also No 10 that his son is going to complete in his Father's legacy. Prayers and sympathy to the family. I can see what a great support he was to all of you from his writings; especially the family oriented love his character Joe Dillard possesses. Tough when he has to be but always love and support for his family. RIP Mr Pratt
April 19, 2022
Another Joe Dillard Legal Thriller with a Big Surprise at the End ... Lots of courtroom drama in this country music murder trial set in Nashville. This is another page-turner in Pratt’s Joe Dillard series. An enjoyable read – David B. Crawley, M.D. – Author of “Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey from Clinic to Cockpit” and “Steep Turn: A Physician's Journey from Clinic to Cockpit.”
February 8, 2017
WOULD GIVE THIS A 7 STAR IF I COULD
WOW! What a surprise ending all the way around. This one has celebrities, every day type people, and the suspense.
I read Mr. Pratt' s blog and found out he's been through the cancer scene himself, with his wife. No wonder that part wit Joe Dillard's wife has been so real. I'm so sorry both of you had/have to do that.
Back to the book, I won't say this had a bad ending but it definitely is a much different ending that the other books. My advice....begin with Book 1 in the Joe Dillard series and work up to this one. A definite must read.
WOW! What a surprise ending all the way around. This one has celebrities, every day type people, and the suspense.
I read Mr. Pratt' s blog and found out he's been through the cancer scene himself, with his wife. No wonder that part wit Joe Dillard's wife has been so real. I'm so sorry both of you had/have to do that.
Back to the book, I won't say this had a bad ending but it definitely is a much different ending that the other books. My advice....begin with Book 1 in the Joe Dillard series and work up to this one. A definite must read.
August 1, 2017
Good story/nice style
I would give this 3 and 1/2 stars but I didn't know how. The protagonist is a very likeable character and all the plots in the series are different so the series doesn't read like a soap opera. I don't care for nonlinear story line but I keep reading the series. One big continuity flaw, however, in one of the first series Joe Dillard's eyes were described as hazel. Then in another book both his and his sister's eyes are described as green. In book seven, his client's wife mentions his eyes are blue like hers. I would recommend the series to anyone that likes a good mystery and an easy, quick read.
I would give this 3 and 1/2 stars but I didn't know how. The protagonist is a very likeable character and all the plots in the series are different so the series doesn't read like a soap opera. I don't care for nonlinear story line but I keep reading the series. One big continuity flaw, however, in one of the first series Joe Dillard's eyes were described as hazel. Then in another book both his and his sister's eyes are described as green. In book seven, his client's wife mentions his eyes are blue like hers. I would recommend the series to anyone that likes a good mystery and an easy, quick read.
December 21, 2018
Couldn’t Stop Reading
I thoroughly enjoy this series. This book requires Joe to go to Nashville to defend a record company executive accused of killing his young cash cow singer. While at times a bit far fetched, it grabbed me from page one and I actually read it one day.
Joe and his wife Caroline have a beautiful marriage, threatened by Caroline’s ongoing battle with cancer. Joe’s children and their partners also appear, some with their own issues.
Joe is fearless in court and, unlike many other fictional attorneys, he doesn’t always win every case.
Just a really good series about good and bad people.
I thoroughly enjoy this series. This book requires Joe to go to Nashville to defend a record company executive accused of killing his young cash cow singer. While at times a bit far fetched, it grabbed me from page one and I actually read it one day.
Joe and his wife Caroline have a beautiful marriage, threatened by Caroline’s ongoing battle with cancer. Joe’s children and their partners also appear, some with their own issues.
Joe is fearless in court and, unlike many other fictional attorneys, he doesn’t always win every case.
Just a really good series about good and bad people.
August 15, 2019
A Good Joe Dillard Book
This was a good, fast-paced novel in the style of Grisham. Thought the husband & wife Nashville country music couple were perhaps a bit over the top - and I did not like Dillard complaining that musicians coming around for tips “bothered” him - it was offensive; don’t go hear live music if you’re not willing to pay, just like you wouldn’t go to a restaurant where you couldn’t afford the tip. But the book overall accurately depicts the criminal law process fairly.
Though these are touted as standalone books, it is really best to read them in order - at least I think so.
This was a good, fast-paced novel in the style of Grisham. Thought the husband & wife Nashville country music couple were perhaps a bit over the top - and I did not like Dillard complaining that musicians coming around for tips “bothered” him - it was offensive; don’t go hear live music if you’re not willing to pay, just like you wouldn’t go to a restaurant where you couldn’t afford the tip. But the book overall accurately depicts the criminal law process fairly.
Though these are touted as standalone books, it is really best to read them in order - at least I think so.
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