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Amanda Jaffe #6
Violent Crimes
In this mesmerizing tale of suspense from New York Times bestselling author Phillip Margolin, attorney Amanda Jaffe—star of Wild Justice, Ties That Bind, Proof Positive, and Fugitive—becomes entangled in a murder case involving Big Oil, an estranged father and son, and the greatest ethical dilemma of her career.Dale Masterson, senior partner in a large Portland, Oregon, law firm, has become wealthy and successful representing the interests of oil and coal companies. When his colleague, Christine Larson, is found dead, Masterson’s business practices are put under surveillance and a lower-level employee stands accused.
The controversy surrounding the firm is magnified tenfold when Dale is found beaten to death in his mansion. But this time Dale’s son, Brandon, is seen fleeing the scene. A dedicated eco-warrior obsessed with saving the planet, Brandon confesses to killing his father—for revenge, he claims—on behalf of all the people whose lives are being destroyed by his father’s questionable clients.
Veteran lawyer Amanda Jaffe is hired to represent Brandon, but what seems like an open-and-shut case quickly begins to unravel. If Brandon is really innocent—a radical activist determined to martyr himself for his cause—then who viciously murdered Dale Masterson? And what, if any, is the connection between his murder and the murder of Christine Larson? Smart, fierce, and unafraid of the truth even if it puts her in danger, Amanda begins to look deeper. What she finds will force the seasoned legal pro to make the hardest professional decision of her life.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2016
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1515 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
March 12, 2017
3.5 Stars
This book was an enjoyable read but it really wasn't what I expected. I love this author. He is so good and I did like this a lot, it did have lots of suspense and it was an easy fast read but it just felt like it was missing something. This is the fifth book in the Amanda Jaffe series and I loved all of them and this one was my least favorite.
My favorite book by this author is Gone but Not Forgotten and I have a funny story to go with it. I truly loved this book and I carried it with me wherever I would go and one of the days that I carried it, I went to numerous places. Well I lost the book when I came home so I went back to the last place where I went and that was the pharmacy and I asked them if they found a book and they asked me what is the name of it and I said its Gone but not forgotten and the pharmacist said OK its gone and you will not forget it but what is the title and I said I told you that is the name of the book, its called Gone and not Forgotten, and he had the book and he gave it to me and we both laughed so hard. It I st made my day. I just had to share that.
I am sure that there are lots of Philip Margolin fands and I am one of them.
What the title promises it sure does delivers: another torrent of violent crimes for Oregon defense attorney Amanda Jaffe.
Christine Larson, of Masterson, Hamilton, Rickman, and Thomas, wants Amanda to defend Tom Beatty, a former Navy SEAL with PTSD who’s working as a paralegal at the firm. Harold Roux, a bully who started a bar fight with Beatty, has sworn out a complaint from his hospital bed. Amanda gets the charge dismissed without breaking a sweat, unaware that the real trouble is just beginning. Someone murders Christine, plants her body in Beatty’s place, and sends Detective Greg Nowicki, of Portland Narcotics, there on a trumped-up tip that Beatty’s selling heroin. The cops pick up Beatty, but Amanda assures him she’ll get bail for him, because she’s certain Christine was killed by Dale Masterson, Mark Hamilton, or one of the other higher-ups in the firm whose falsified financial statements Christine had been looking into. Amanda, as good as her word, springs Beatty from police custody just in time for Masterson to get murdered. The presumption of Beatty’s guilt would be overwhelming if only Dale’s son, Brandon, hadn’t been spotted running from the murder scene covered in blood. In fact, Brandon, an environmental activist bent on using his trial as a platform to broadcast his father’s misdeeds to the world, is only too eager to confess to the murder, but Amanda doesn’t believe him, and soon enough she’s gotten herself hired as his attorney even though getting him off may involve implicating Beatty, who’s also her client.
This last problem may sound like a thorny ethical dilemma, but it’s just as weightless as every other complication in this fleet, guileless, inch-deep yarn, a tale guaranteed to get you to bed in plenty of time and leave your dreams untroubled.
Now you are probably wondering why I only gave this book 3.5 stars. Well I did like it a lot but I guess I wanted more suspense, it did have suspense but just didn't have enough action that I look for in my thrillers. I did love this series and I think this is the last book of this series.
This book was an enjoyable read but it really wasn't what I expected. I love this author. He is so good and I did like this a lot, it did have lots of suspense and it was an easy fast read but it just felt like it was missing something. This is the fifth book in the Amanda Jaffe series and I loved all of them and this one was my least favorite.
My favorite book by this author is Gone but Not Forgotten and I have a funny story to go with it. I truly loved this book and I carried it with me wherever I would go and one of the days that I carried it, I went to numerous places. Well I lost the book when I came home so I went back to the last place where I went and that was the pharmacy and I asked them if they found a book and they asked me what is the name of it and I said its Gone but not forgotten and the pharmacist said OK its gone and you will not forget it but what is the title and I said I told you that is the name of the book, its called Gone and not Forgotten, and he had the book and he gave it to me and we both laughed so hard. It I st made my day. I just had to share that.
I am sure that there are lots of Philip Margolin fands and I am one of them.
What the title promises it sure does delivers: another torrent of violent crimes for Oregon defense attorney Amanda Jaffe.
Christine Larson, of Masterson, Hamilton, Rickman, and Thomas, wants Amanda to defend Tom Beatty, a former Navy SEAL with PTSD who’s working as a paralegal at the firm. Harold Roux, a bully who started a bar fight with Beatty, has sworn out a complaint from his hospital bed. Amanda gets the charge dismissed without breaking a sweat, unaware that the real trouble is just beginning. Someone murders Christine, plants her body in Beatty’s place, and sends Detective Greg Nowicki, of Portland Narcotics, there on a trumped-up tip that Beatty’s selling heroin. The cops pick up Beatty, but Amanda assures him she’ll get bail for him, because she’s certain Christine was killed by Dale Masterson, Mark Hamilton, or one of the other higher-ups in the firm whose falsified financial statements Christine had been looking into. Amanda, as good as her word, springs Beatty from police custody just in time for Masterson to get murdered. The presumption of Beatty’s guilt would be overwhelming if only Dale’s son, Brandon, hadn’t been spotted running from the murder scene covered in blood. In fact, Brandon, an environmental activist bent on using his trial as a platform to broadcast his father’s misdeeds to the world, is only too eager to confess to the murder, but Amanda doesn’t believe him, and soon enough she’s gotten herself hired as his attorney even though getting him off may involve implicating Beatty, who’s also her client.
This last problem may sound like a thorny ethical dilemma, but it’s just as weightless as every other complication in this fleet, guileless, inch-deep yarn, a tale guaranteed to get you to bed in plenty of time and leave your dreams untroubled.
Now you are probably wondering why I only gave this book 3.5 stars. Well I did like it a lot but I guess I wanted more suspense, it did have suspense but just didn't have enough action that I look for in my thrillers. I did love this series and I think this is the last book of this series.
November 13, 2016
This is a very fast enjoyable read with short chapters. The Fifth installment in the series. I do believe you could pick it up at this point and not feel that you missed anything.
Amanda Jafffe is a criminal lawyer in Portland Oregon. She's asked by a colleague to represent a man accused of battery in a bar fight. Soon thereafter, Amanda finds herself in the midst of law firm corruption and multiple murders. The story started off feeling very simplistic, but I quickly got caught up in the story – finished it in one day!
I have read all of Phillip Margolin's book to this point and always enjoy them. This was no exception.
If you are looking for quick and easy read (airplane or beach) this would be the perfect book!
Amanda Jafffe is a criminal lawyer in Portland Oregon. She's asked by a colleague to represent a man accused of battery in a bar fight. Soon thereafter, Amanda finds herself in the midst of law firm corruption and multiple murders. The story started off feeling very simplistic, but I quickly got caught up in the story – finished it in one day!
I have read all of Phillip Margolin's book to this point and always enjoy them. This was no exception.
If you are looking for quick and easy read (airplane or beach) this would be the perfect book!
July 20, 2017
There was never ending action and suspense in this combustible crime thriller. The author neatly arranged the chapters to be refreshingly short. This allowed for frequent brief interludes for collection of thought. The well-paced narrative barreled its way through beginning to end. It kept me on the edge of my seat. And just when I assumed I had the ending all figured out, or mostly, I had been thrown for a loop. It was an unexpected landing that I never saw coming. Bravo.
The heroine, Criminal Defense Attorney Amanda Jaffe was paid a professional visit by a colleague, Christine Larson. Christine's paralegal Tom Brady had a complaint filed against him for fighting in a bar. As you might guess, he won. The charges were later dropped but this incident was a catalyst that propelled Tom, an ex-seal, into a series of murders and cover-ups. His quiet life had taken a nosedive.
Christine was a junior partner of a Law Firm that had in recent times been struggling, financially. In fact, it was on the verge of bankruptcy. A corporate giant had considered moving its services to this firm. Once agreed upon, it would have meant millions in revenue to the sinking firm. Only there was a major problem that stood in it's way - Christine.
The senior partners Masterson and Hamilton knew they would lose this client if it was discovered that their firm faced financial difficulties. That, they could not afford. Their only option available, at least the only one they considered, was to "cook the books". A highly illegal, inflated revenue of the firm would ensure the contract and its survival. They enlisted Christine's help in presenting the financials to the potential client. While reviewing the report, she quickly realized that the income reported was inaccurate. Actually, it was more than deceptive, it was a downright lie. It was unethical and she didn't want any part of it. This put her in a terrible predicament.
She argued her case with her boss but could find no common ground with him. Flat-out, she refused to cooperate even though it would mean the end of her career. To the firm, if this information went public, it would be a disaster. They would be ruined. She was now more of a multimillion-dollar liability than an asset. They saw no other way. She needed to be silenced.
The heroine, Criminal Defense Attorney Amanda Jaffe was paid a professional visit by a colleague, Christine Larson. Christine's paralegal Tom Brady had a complaint filed against him for fighting in a bar. As you might guess, he won. The charges were later dropped but this incident was a catalyst that propelled Tom, an ex-seal, into a series of murders and cover-ups. His quiet life had taken a nosedive.
Christine was a junior partner of a Law Firm that had in recent times been struggling, financially. In fact, it was on the verge of bankruptcy. A corporate giant had considered moving its services to this firm. Once agreed upon, it would have meant millions in revenue to the sinking firm. Only there was a major problem that stood in it's way - Christine.
The senior partners Masterson and Hamilton knew they would lose this client if it was discovered that their firm faced financial difficulties. That, they could not afford. Their only option available, at least the only one they considered, was to "cook the books". A highly illegal, inflated revenue of the firm would ensure the contract and its survival. They enlisted Christine's help in presenting the financials to the potential client. While reviewing the report, she quickly realized that the income reported was inaccurate. Actually, it was more than deceptive, it was a downright lie. It was unethical and she didn't want any part of it. This put her in a terrible predicament.
She argued her case with her boss but could find no common ground with him. Flat-out, she refused to cooperate even though it would mean the end of her career. To the firm, if this information went public, it would be a disaster. They would be ruined. She was now more of a multimillion-dollar liability than an asset. They saw no other way. She needed to be silenced.
February 29, 2016
2☆ ••• begrudgingly!
OK boys and girls, if you were on the planet in the 1960s you remember Bubble Gum rock right? 1910 Fruitgum Company, Ohio Express (Yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy and...), Lemon Pipers???
This book is the literary equivalent. Paper thin character development, formulaic composition, assembly line production. Far from robust story line. Ho hum.
This was an impulse pick at the library. Not much here folks. Read the inside page of the book cover jacket or the GR overview and you've pretty much read the book. Lawyers, cooked books, murders, dirty cops, more lawyers, innocence. Ta-dah ... all done!
Over and out!
OK boys and girls, if you were on the planet in the 1960s you remember Bubble Gum rock right? 1910 Fruitgum Company, Ohio Express (Yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy and...), Lemon Pipers???
This book is the literary equivalent. Paper thin character development, formulaic composition, assembly line production. Far from robust story line. Ho hum.
This was an impulse pick at the library. Not much here folks. Read the inside page of the book cover jacket or the GR overview and you've pretty much read the book. Lawyers, cooked books, murders, dirty cops, more lawyers, innocence. Ta-dah ... all done!
Over and out!
March 24, 2016
I find this book an entertaining quick read. It is also my first book by Phillip Margolin.
There was really little mystery as to who the bad guy was. But no matter, the fun was the lawyer/cop putting the pieces together.
There was really little mystery as to who the bad guy was. But no matter, the fun was the lawyer/cop putting the pieces together.
October 22, 2019
This book is part of a series but this can be read as a stand alone. In this one, Amanda is asked to defend a former serviceman. This man was in a bar fight and won easily. Amanda gets involved in way more than she bargained for.
It has been awhile since I read one of this author's works. I do remember me enjoying them and this series. This book was more in the mold of a James Patterson book. Quick read with quick chapters and a very brisk pace. I don't recall Margolin being like this since I gave up on Patterson some time ago. That being said, I am glad that book wasn't exactly like a Patterson book as I did like this book. I enjoy Amanda as a main character. She is a strong woman but knows when to ask for help if she needs it. She will give her best effort to help you too. I liked the mystery aspect of this book especially the ending. The author touches upon PTSD and attorney client privilege. I did wish he went into these concepts a little deeper though.
This was a legal thriller with a bit of mystery weaved into it. It was a decent book but it was too quick. If the author fleshed out the mystery a little more I believe this would have been easily a four star rating.
It has been awhile since I read one of this author's works. I do remember me enjoying them and this series. This book was more in the mold of a James Patterson book. Quick read with quick chapters and a very brisk pace. I don't recall Margolin being like this since I gave up on Patterson some time ago. That being said, I am glad that book wasn't exactly like a Patterson book as I did like this book. I enjoy Amanda as a main character. She is a strong woman but knows when to ask for help if she needs it. She will give her best effort to help you too. I liked the mystery aspect of this book especially the ending. The author touches upon PTSD and attorney client privilege. I did wish he went into these concepts a little deeper though.
This was a legal thriller with a bit of mystery weaved into it. It was a decent book but it was too quick. If the author fleshed out the mystery a little more I believe this would have been easily a four star rating.
July 2, 2016
Violent Crimes by Philip Margolin is a 2016 Harper publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I remember reading “Gone, but Not Forgotten’, way back in the early 1990’s, and was blown away by it. I even managed to talk my husband into reading it, which is no easy feat. So, needless to say, I’ve been a fan of Philip Margolin’s for a very long time.
However, I have not read one of his novels in a while, so I was eager to dive into this latest installment in the Amanda Jaffe series.
When Amanda is approached by Christine Larson, a colleague who works for a prestigious law firm, asking her to take on the case of a paralegal, a war veteran with PTSD, who snapped, and ended up in a bar fight, and is now facing charges, Amanda is happy to help out. But, when Christine is murdered, and her new client becomes the number one suspect, Amanda’s case suddenly becomes much more serious.
Amanda is positive Tom is innocent, and soon discovers that Christine’s law firm is having some financial difficulties and Christine was suspicious about the checks and balances, which, frankly, just didn’t add up. But, when Dan Masterson, another member of the firm, is murdered, a senior partner, no less, the focus turns away from Tom and onto Dan’s son, Brandon. Now Amanda finds herself serving both clients, and peeling back layers of cover-ups, controversy, and conspiracy.
One thing I am noticing about legal thrillers these days, is the lack of a real courtroom presence. No legal wrangling, no judge or jury, or witnesses, which is really sad because some of the best thrillers I’ve ever read were courtroom dramas. Today, with the reality being that lawyers work to make plea bargains to avoid the cost of a court trial, in novels, attorneys will wind up becoming amateur sleuths, instead of delegating the investigation, while they focus on motions and other lawyerly things. So, the one thing I did like about this book, was the courtroom scenes. While they were not overly exiting, they were at least included, so this book can be considered a true legal thriller.
Other than that, I’m afraid this installment in the Jaffe series did not live up to the standards set in previous chapters in this series. It was okay, but for a person like myself, who needs a real challenge, it was a little too bland and predictable, and as much as it pains me to say this, a little boring. Not only that, the coda, which was intended to invoke uneasiness, bombed big time. While the ending highlighted the moral dilemmas any defense attorney has probably faced at one time or another, the outline Amanda presents is so preposterous, I was rolling my eyes and trying not to laugh, which is not the best way for a book to end.
Like I have said on numerous occasions, every author hits a snag once in a while, so maybe this is just one of those occasions and any further releases in this series will be back on track. I certainly hope so!
2.5 rounded to 3
I remember reading “Gone, but Not Forgotten’, way back in the early 1990’s, and was blown away by it. I even managed to talk my husband into reading it, which is no easy feat. So, needless to say, I’ve been a fan of Philip Margolin’s for a very long time.
However, I have not read one of his novels in a while, so I was eager to dive into this latest installment in the Amanda Jaffe series.
When Amanda is approached by Christine Larson, a colleague who works for a prestigious law firm, asking her to take on the case of a paralegal, a war veteran with PTSD, who snapped, and ended up in a bar fight, and is now facing charges, Amanda is happy to help out. But, when Christine is murdered, and her new client becomes the number one suspect, Amanda’s case suddenly becomes much more serious.
Amanda is positive Tom is innocent, and soon discovers that Christine’s law firm is having some financial difficulties and Christine was suspicious about the checks and balances, which, frankly, just didn’t add up. But, when Dan Masterson, another member of the firm, is murdered, a senior partner, no less, the focus turns away from Tom and onto Dan’s son, Brandon. Now Amanda finds herself serving both clients, and peeling back layers of cover-ups, controversy, and conspiracy.
One thing I am noticing about legal thrillers these days, is the lack of a real courtroom presence. No legal wrangling, no judge or jury, or witnesses, which is really sad because some of the best thrillers I’ve ever read were courtroom dramas. Today, with the reality being that lawyers work to make plea bargains to avoid the cost of a court trial, in novels, attorneys will wind up becoming amateur sleuths, instead of delegating the investigation, while they focus on motions and other lawyerly things. So, the one thing I did like about this book, was the courtroom scenes. While they were not overly exiting, they were at least included, so this book can be considered a true legal thriller.
Other than that, I’m afraid this installment in the Jaffe series did not live up to the standards set in previous chapters in this series. It was okay, but for a person like myself, who needs a real challenge, it was a little too bland and predictable, and as much as it pains me to say this, a little boring. Not only that, the coda, which was intended to invoke uneasiness, bombed big time. While the ending highlighted the moral dilemmas any defense attorney has probably faced at one time or another, the outline Amanda presents is so preposterous, I was rolling my eyes and trying not to laugh, which is not the best way for a book to end.
Like I have said on numerous occasions, every author hits a snag once in a while, so maybe this is just one of those occasions and any further releases in this series will be back on track. I certainly hope so!
2.5 rounded to 3
November 10, 2022
Legal and Courtroom terms (Rasmussen University)
I like Margolin’s books they are like Grisham, Baldacci, Turow, Tanebaum, Michael Connelly.
Phillip Margolin - is author & practicing attorney in Portland. The legal terminology & courtroom terms are good.
Amanda Jaffe, an attorney, represents Dale Masterson & Mark Hamilton owners of RENCO OIL.
One of their paralegals, Tom Beatty, x-Navel Seal, accused of crime & released on bail. He’s surprised, attacked with men in his home, thinks this is related being released on bail & kills them.
- Meanwhile, Dale Masterson is found dead, a major client. Tom’s “elite” combat training points a finger at him..
- Then Christine Larson (friend) turns up dead, police suspect Tom again. It looks like a “crime of passion” as the 2 did work together closely.
But Brandon Masterson (son) says he killed Dale (father) for representing RENCO OIL. Dad was “helping RENCO OIL to destroy the planet”.
- Dale’s son, Brandon, was seen running from the Masterson estate when Dale was killed. But why does he confess?
Amanda believes Brandon is innocent & Tom a conflict of interest exists.
Amanda can’t represent Tom & Brandon as 1 of the 2 may be guilty of murdering Dale Masterson?
A lawyer cannot process a case knowing 1 of their 2 clients are/may be guilty as….
“You are innocent until proven guilty - Attorney-client privilege refers to a legal privilege that works to keep confidential communications between an attorney and his or her client secret, admitting crime”
Murders of Christine Larson, Dale Masterson, Reginald Kiner (lawyer) and the attempts of Tom Beatty murder “frames”. Can they get all charges against Tom dropped?
I like Margolin’s books they are like Grisham, Baldacci, Turow, Tanebaum, Michael Connelly.
Phillip Margolin - is author & practicing attorney in Portland. The legal terminology & courtroom terms are good.
Amanda Jaffe, an attorney, represents Dale Masterson & Mark Hamilton owners of RENCO OIL.
One of their paralegals, Tom Beatty, x-Navel Seal, accused of crime & released on bail. He’s surprised, attacked with men in his home, thinks this is related being released on bail & kills them.
- Meanwhile, Dale Masterson is found dead, a major client. Tom’s “elite” combat training points a finger at him..
- Then Christine Larson (friend) turns up dead, police suspect Tom again. It looks like a “crime of passion” as the 2 did work together closely.
But Brandon Masterson (son) says he killed Dale (father) for representing RENCO OIL. Dad was “helping RENCO OIL to destroy the planet”.
- Dale’s son, Brandon, was seen running from the Masterson estate when Dale was killed. But why does he confess?
Amanda believes Brandon is innocent & Tom a conflict of interest exists.
Amanda can’t represent Tom & Brandon as 1 of the 2 may be guilty of murdering Dale Masterson?
A lawyer cannot process a case knowing 1 of their 2 clients are/may be guilty as….
“You are innocent until proven guilty - Attorney-client privilege refers to a legal privilege that works to keep confidential communications between an attorney and his or her client secret, admitting crime”
Murders of Christine Larson, Dale Masterson, Reginald Kiner (lawyer) and the attempts of Tom Beatty murder “frames”. Can they get all charges against Tom dropped?
February 11, 2016
In another of his legal thrillers, Margolin places Amanda Jaffe at the centre of a number of high-intensity events. After a bar fight goes wrong, Tom Beatty comes to Jaffe for assistance in getting the charges dropped. Beatty returns to work as a paralegal and ends up embroiled in a heated argument with a colleague, Christine Larson. After Larson's body is found in Beatty's home, he's taken into custody and Jaffe's is retained once more. At a hearing, a legal technicality prevents a significant amount of evidence from being allowed and Beatty is released on conditional bail. Dale Masterson, senior partner in the firm that employed both Larson and Beatty is in cahoots with his fellow partner, Mark Hamilton, on a project Larson discovered before her death, one about which Beatty was also aware. Masterson is found dead in his home and Brendan Masterson, the disgruntled son, is seen fleeing the scene. Much evidence points towards Brendan and he does not deny killing his father. Jaffe is retained to Masterson at trial and seeks to get to the root of the slaying. Jaffe soon discovers that the murder has very close similarities to that of Larson, leaving her unconvinced that her new client is responsible. With Beatty nowhere to be found, his degree of guilt rises exponentially and Jaffe must find him to determine how all these murders tie together. Facing the need to put on the defence of a lifetime, Jaffe takes a leap of faith in hopes that she can save both her clients from death row. Margolin weaves a complex, yet highly entertaining, story into a compact novel and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the final sentence, literally.
I have often enjoyed the work that Margolin creates, as it is a wonderful mix of legal drama and nuanced character development. He gets to the root of the story and captures the writer's attention while not getting too bogged down in legal minutiae. I was not sure where things were going, with Beatty's initial charges under the Larson murder, but once things began developing, they fell nicely into place and created a mystery layered atop a wonderful legal thriller. While it has been a while since last I read any Amanda Jaffe, she is a refreshing character and one the reader will enjoy for a long time to come.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin for another great story. I enjoy how you can cram so much and keep things moving so effectively.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I have often enjoyed the work that Margolin creates, as it is a wonderful mix of legal drama and nuanced character development. He gets to the root of the story and captures the writer's attention while not getting too bogged down in legal minutiae. I was not sure where things were going, with Beatty's initial charges under the Larson murder, but once things began developing, they fell nicely into place and created a mystery layered atop a wonderful legal thriller. While it has been a while since last I read any Amanda Jaffe, she is a refreshing character and one the reader will enjoy for a long time to come.
Kudos, Mr. Margolin for another great story. I enjoy how you can cram so much and keep things moving so effectively.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
February 17, 2016
This is the latest book in the Amanda Jaffe series. I have always enjoyed this series but it has been so long since the last book I thought Margolin had discontinued it. Amanda is a defense attorney in Portland, Oregon. It is great to have a book take place in some place other than NYC or LA. At the request of a fellow attorney, Christine Larson, Amanda successfully defends Larson’s paralegal, a former Navy SEAL, Tom Beatty, from a charge of assault. Then Larson is murdered and her body planted in Beatty’s place. Amanda accepts the defense of Beatty as she believed that Dale Masterson killed Larson because she was investigating his financial statements. She obtains the release of Beatty on bail when Masterson is murdered. Meanwhile, Amanda had accepted the defense of Brandon Masterson, an eco-warrior, when suddenly he is a suspect in the murder of Masterson. Now Amanda has an ethical situation in attempting to defend these two men.
The book is well written and the plot is convoluting and twisty. The pace is fast with lots of suspense. The ending of the book was a nice twist that caught me by surprise. I found this book hard to put down even as the clock ticked into the wee hours of the night. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Therese Plummer does a good job narrating the book.
The book is well written and the plot is convoluting and twisty. The pace is fast with lots of suspense. The ending of the book was a nice twist that caught me by surprise. I found this book hard to put down even as the clock ticked into the wee hours of the night. I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. Therese Plummer does a good job narrating the book.
February 1, 2020
Nancy Drew could have figured this plot out from the first page!! I'm sorry I wasted a couple of hours trying to read it - it got so boring I skimmed to the end!! I've always liked Margolin, but not this time!!
December 7, 2020
An entertaining, quick read in the Amanda Jaffe series. Lots of action, good plot twists with one exception, fast paced, with known characters. The last plot twist, however, was a waste of paper. You shouldn't leave your readers scratching their heads. Recommended to Jaffe fans.
March 2, 2016
I used to say that when you read a Philip Margolin novel you know exactly what you’ll get: A well-written novel, good characters, unexpected twists. While his books are not literary masterpieces or books that leave you winded in a good way after finishing one, you knew that when you started one of his books, you’d finish it. You’d enjoy the book, kill a few days and hey, isn’t that what a book is supposed to do?
Lately, however, I think Mr. Margolin has lost something. Every once in a while you come across an author who has lost ‘the edge’ and seems to be just going through the motions of churning out a new novel, knowing it will be successful based solely on his name and his fans.
His earlier works were very good novels. But his last several efforts have, in my opinion, gotten progressively worse.
Sleight of Hand, written a few years ago, was a step back. No big deal. It happens. After that he wrote Worthy Brown’s Daughter. This WAS an interesting novel in that it shows what the legal system was like in the 1800’s if you were black. Interesting, yes. Well-researched, yes. But it read more like non-fiction. Then came ‘Woman with a Gun’ which was awful. This was the first Margolin book I could not manage to get through.
I just picked up “Violent Crimes.” Three hours later I gave up on Violent Crimes.
The only positive thing I can say about it is that it’s a fast-moving book. I read about 135 in 2 ½ hours. Yet, even though the book was only 290 and that I read almost half, I decided not to finish. When you get to the almost halfway point in a novel and don’t care what happens, why continue?
There are 2 things that, to me, make a book enjoyable. One is character development. I’ve stressed this in many of my reviews and I want to be able to connect with the characters on some level, to identify with them. I want to cheer the good guy and boo the bad guy. Harlan Coben, for example:
Most of his novels are great. Some however are not up to Coben-standards. However, I’ve never NOT finished a Coben book. Even if the plot itself isn’t anything great I will complete the book cause I want to know what happens to the characters.
The characters in Violent Crimes, including the recurring protagonist Amanda Jaffe, are all boring, bland and cardboard. They are one-dimensional with no depth. You find yourself rooting for Amanda Jaffe simple cause…well, she’s the main character.
The second thing I look for in a good book are plot twists and turns. I love books that keep you guessing, that throw you for a loop. I just finished “The God’s Eye View” by Barry Eisler and that had twists and turns until the last page. After reading almost half of Violent Crimes, there was not one unexpected event. It was boring and very predictable.
I will say, in all honesty, I’m not a big fan of legal thrillers. I’m not a fan of Paul Madriani and have never gotten into John Grisham. However, I LOVE Mickey Haller and am a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s legal books. Yet, even in Violent Crimes, the legal scenes were boring and very dry. They read not like a novel but…well, like a legal document.
In addition to the cardboard characters is one glaring blunder in the book.
We are all different. We all talk different. We all use different terminology, different jargon and different language. Perhaps it’s based on age. (I use different expressions than my mom.) Perhaps its based on education. Someone with a PHD from Stanford speaks differently than a 14 year old HS drop out. We talk different based on what kind of job we have. A defense attorney or a well respected politician uses different words than a 15 yea-old kid working at McDonalds. It’s also based even on what part of the country we live in. A Hoagie, a Hero and a Sub are all the same type of sandwich. I say “Coke” whereas others say soda. If you’re from Chicago, you say “pop.” Yet, every character in Violent Crimes uses the same terminology. Sorry, but that’s not real. Amanda, a middle-aged lawyer would not speak the same as her father, as police detectives, as a Navy Seal and as a twenty-something ‘toubled kid.’ Yet, in this book, they all talk the same.
I’m giving this book only 2 stars simply because it’s fast moving.
Lately, however, I think Mr. Margolin has lost something. Every once in a while you come across an author who has lost ‘the edge’ and seems to be just going through the motions of churning out a new novel, knowing it will be successful based solely on his name and his fans.
His earlier works were very good novels. But his last several efforts have, in my opinion, gotten progressively worse.
Sleight of Hand, written a few years ago, was a step back. No big deal. It happens. After that he wrote Worthy Brown’s Daughter. This WAS an interesting novel in that it shows what the legal system was like in the 1800’s if you were black. Interesting, yes. Well-researched, yes. But it read more like non-fiction. Then came ‘Woman with a Gun’ which was awful. This was the first Margolin book I could not manage to get through.
I just picked up “Violent Crimes.” Three hours later I gave up on Violent Crimes.
The only positive thing I can say about it is that it’s a fast-moving book. I read about 135 in 2 ½ hours. Yet, even though the book was only 290 and that I read almost half, I decided not to finish. When you get to the almost halfway point in a novel and don’t care what happens, why continue?
There are 2 things that, to me, make a book enjoyable. One is character development. I’ve stressed this in many of my reviews and I want to be able to connect with the characters on some level, to identify with them. I want to cheer the good guy and boo the bad guy. Harlan Coben, for example:
Most of his novels are great. Some however are not up to Coben-standards. However, I’ve never NOT finished a Coben book. Even if the plot itself isn’t anything great I will complete the book cause I want to know what happens to the characters.
The characters in Violent Crimes, including the recurring protagonist Amanda Jaffe, are all boring, bland and cardboard. They are one-dimensional with no depth. You find yourself rooting for Amanda Jaffe simple cause…well, she’s the main character.
The second thing I look for in a good book are plot twists and turns. I love books that keep you guessing, that throw you for a loop. I just finished “The God’s Eye View” by Barry Eisler and that had twists and turns until the last page. After reading almost half of Violent Crimes, there was not one unexpected event. It was boring and very predictable.
I will say, in all honesty, I’m not a big fan of legal thrillers. I’m not a fan of Paul Madriani and have never gotten into John Grisham. However, I LOVE Mickey Haller and am a fan of Lisa Scottoline’s legal books. Yet, even in Violent Crimes, the legal scenes were boring and very dry. They read not like a novel but…well, like a legal document.
In addition to the cardboard characters is one glaring blunder in the book.
We are all different. We all talk different. We all use different terminology, different jargon and different language. Perhaps it’s based on age. (I use different expressions than my mom.) Perhaps its based on education. Someone with a PHD from Stanford speaks differently than a 14 year old HS drop out. We talk different based on what kind of job we have. A defense attorney or a well respected politician uses different words than a 15 yea-old kid working at McDonalds. It’s also based even on what part of the country we live in. A Hoagie, a Hero and a Sub are all the same type of sandwich. I say “Coke” whereas others say soda. If you’re from Chicago, you say “pop.” Yet, every character in Violent Crimes uses the same terminology. Sorry, but that’s not real. Amanda, a middle-aged lawyer would not speak the same as her father, as police detectives, as a Navy Seal and as a twenty-something ‘toubled kid.’ Yet, in this book, they all talk the same.
I’m giving this book only 2 stars simply because it’s fast moving.
February 19, 2016
This is the first Amanda Jaffe book I have read (evidently it's a series). There are references to previous installments, but the story stands alone without having read these. This was an ARC that I received from Harper Collins (website:The Reading Room). I now want to go back and read previous installments of the series.
June 2, 2016
I found the second half more entertaining than the first and the end saves this story. 6 of 10 stars
June 10, 2017
This was a fast paced easy read legal thriller although the ending had a twist I was not impressed I think the writing was good not great it kept me entertained and I guess that is what it is suppose to do.
March 4, 2016
Margolin is one of our “B”-list authors – whereby we normally read all his books, to an average 3-star rating. Our “A”-listers average 4-stars; and then we have a whole batch of authors we just salt in to our reading calendar here and there, with just average entertainment expectations. There’s also a bunch we eventually give up on when we no longer particularly enjoy their work – like Steve Martini, Mary Higgins-Clark, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwall, or Stuart Woods.
“Crimes” is the fifth entry, appearing sporadically over the relatively long span of 16 years, in the author’s Amanda Jaffe criminal defense attorney series, refreshingly set in Portland OR. Amanda is a likable, hard-working lawyer who does well when her clients are indeed innocent. In this tale, paralegal Tom Beatty winds up accused of murder, though we readers know he’s not guilty – moreover, the police are lackadaisical about alternatives despite many signs of a frame-up. Virtually the whole center of the book slogs along as more deaths occur, more clues appear, etc. We finally learn whodunit in an admittedly suspenseful last third of the novel, but by then we’re a little tired of waiting.
At least Margolin, another lawyer turned writer, avoided overpopulating this book with stick characters (one of our frequent criticisms), but we wound up wishing a sharper editor had carved half of that dull-midsection away to reveal more meat. Hence, no surprise at 3 stars.
“Crimes” is the fifth entry, appearing sporadically over the relatively long span of 16 years, in the author’s Amanda Jaffe criminal defense attorney series, refreshingly set in Portland OR. Amanda is a likable, hard-working lawyer who does well when her clients are indeed innocent. In this tale, paralegal Tom Beatty winds up accused of murder, though we readers know he’s not guilty – moreover, the police are lackadaisical about alternatives despite many signs of a frame-up. Virtually the whole center of the book slogs along as more deaths occur, more clues appear, etc. We finally learn whodunit in an admittedly suspenseful last third of the novel, but by then we’re a little tired of waiting.
At least Margolin, another lawyer turned writer, avoided overpopulating this book with stick characters (one of our frequent criticisms), but we wound up wishing a sharper editor had carved half of that dull-midsection away to reveal more meat. Hence, no surprise at 3 stars.
June 12, 2016
I have always enjoyed reading this author. His stories are creative and his characters are wonderful. I've read everything my library owns that has been written by Phillip Margolin. So now, with that being said, I liked this new book of his. He had some great twists which I've come to expect from him, but his book seemed so short. It didn't have the depth of character or plot, that I've seen in his past books. I can't say I was disappointed because I still liked this. I guess I was just expecting a little more.
March 2, 2016
Phillip Margolin has produced a thought-provoking novel with good characters and many twists and turns. Some readers may see this novel as a simple who done it. But the speed in which you can finish this book might appeal to mystery enthusiasts.
April 14, 2016
A fairly entertaining legal drama, but I would have liked more courtroom scenes. I think the reader would benefit from reading previous books of this series in order to understand the characters better. Plenty of twists and turns in the plot, though.
October 2, 2017
Another page Turner and I really enjoy the Amanda Jaffe novels. I never saw what was coming and kept on my toes the whole time
July 2, 2021
Another good legal drama from Phillip Margolin. I thought this one was more predictable than some of the previous books in the Amanda Jaffa series. There was kind of a twist at the end but I thought Margolin did not fully commit to the twist, which left me somewhat disappointed. Maybe these characters will return in another installment….
February 20, 2018
Jaffe takes on a client suffering from PTSD accused of killing his boss. The when another lawyer from the same firm is murdered, Jaffe becomes the lawyer for the son who confesses. Someone is trying to cover up corruption and Jaffe's life is endangered.
September 21, 2024
I am enjoying this series. Amanda Jaffe is a good character.
December 28, 2020
WOW, what a court room Drama!!! Made me wish I was in the Courtroom... The ending still left you in questioning on the outcome!!!!
March 8, 2016
What starts out as a simple case of defending a client for a bar room brawl leads to fraud, conspiracy and murder in Phillip Margolin’s latest mesmerizing tale, VIOLENT CRIMES.
Narrator Therese Plummer does a superb job highlighting the various characters with their own unique voice. Her cadence and tone matches the highs and lows of the story. Plummer brings the emotions to the surface as she portrays the characters enhancing this fascinating story.
Veteran attorney Amanda Jaffe is asked by her friend Christine Larson to defend a fellow colleague, Tom Beatty, in a bar room brawl case. Tom is ex-military suffering from PTSD. Shortly after Amanda gets Tom released from the charge, Christine is found brutally beaten to death in Tom’s bedroom.
Amanda once again tried to help Tom and discovers Christine was looking into possible fraud involving her boss Dale Masterson at the law firm of Masterson, Hamilton, Rickman and Thomas where she and Tom worked. As the business practices of the law firm come under surveillance, Dale Masterson is found beaten to death in his mansion. Dale’s son, Brandon, is seen fleeing the house and is arrested for the murder. Amanda is hired to represent Brandon even though he confesses to killing his father for dealing with questionable clients that he claims are destroying the earth.
Amanda begins to think there could be a connection between Dale and Christine’s murders. The more she digs deeper, the darker the situation becomes. Amanda puts her life in danger determined to find Christine’s killer and find justice for her two clients as she wonders if one of them really is a killer.
This is a fast-pace story that has several plots going on at the same time before coming together in a surprised ending. The suspense and tension will keep you wondering what will happen next. While you might be able to figure out a few of the main bad guys, the author throws in a few twists to surprise you.
The characters are realistic and well-developed. The protagonist is a strong, determined and feisty female, but shows a vulnerable side as well.
VIOLENT CRIMES is the fifth installment in the Amanda Jaffe series, but can be read/listened to on its own. Filled with intrigue and anticipation, this story has a good blend of action, romance and courtroom procedures for an entertaining tale.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
Narrator Therese Plummer does a superb job highlighting the various characters with their own unique voice. Her cadence and tone matches the highs and lows of the story. Plummer brings the emotions to the surface as she portrays the characters enhancing this fascinating story.
Veteran attorney Amanda Jaffe is asked by her friend Christine Larson to defend a fellow colleague, Tom Beatty, in a bar room brawl case. Tom is ex-military suffering from PTSD. Shortly after Amanda gets Tom released from the charge, Christine is found brutally beaten to death in Tom’s bedroom.
Amanda once again tried to help Tom and discovers Christine was looking into possible fraud involving her boss Dale Masterson at the law firm of Masterson, Hamilton, Rickman and Thomas where she and Tom worked. As the business practices of the law firm come under surveillance, Dale Masterson is found beaten to death in his mansion. Dale’s son, Brandon, is seen fleeing the house and is arrested for the murder. Amanda is hired to represent Brandon even though he confesses to killing his father for dealing with questionable clients that he claims are destroying the earth.
Amanda begins to think there could be a connection between Dale and Christine’s murders. The more she digs deeper, the darker the situation becomes. Amanda puts her life in danger determined to find Christine’s killer and find justice for her two clients as she wonders if one of them really is a killer.
This is a fast-pace story that has several plots going on at the same time before coming together in a surprised ending. The suspense and tension will keep you wondering what will happen next. While you might be able to figure out a few of the main bad guys, the author throws in a few twists to surprise you.
The characters are realistic and well-developed. The protagonist is a strong, determined and feisty female, but shows a vulnerable side as well.
VIOLENT CRIMES is the fifth installment in the Amanda Jaffe series, but can be read/listened to on its own. Filled with intrigue and anticipation, this story has a good blend of action, romance and courtroom procedures for an entertaining tale.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this audio book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
May 17, 2016
With the sixth Amanda Jaffe novel we find our highly intelligent, fearless Portland attorney facing not only killers but a challenging ethical decision.
When Christine Larson, a member of a prestigious law firm, Masterson, Hamilton, Rickman and Thomas, asks Amanda to represent Tom Beatty, a paralegal at her firm, Amanda readily agrees. Tom is a former Navy SEAL with PTSD who defended himself against a bully in a bar fight. Witnesses all agree that Tom didn’t start the fight and Amanda gets the charge dismissed. She’s pleased completely unaware that the real trouble is right around the corner,
Christine had been looking into falsified financial statements provided by her law firm, but before she has a chance to even ask questions she is murdered and her body planted in Beatty’s apartment. Further, someone tips a Portland narcotics detective that Beatty had been selling heroin - a trumped up accusation. The police pick him up and Amanda promises she’ll soon have him bailed out as she’s sure Christine was murdered by one of the top lawyers in her firm - maybe Masterson himself.
Beatty is released from custody shortly before Masterson is found murdered. Masterson’s son Brandon is seen running from the house covered in blood so Beatty is off the hook for that murder. An avid environmental activist Brandon readily admits to the killing and plans to use his trial as a platform to broadcast his father’s crimes.
It’s no surprise that Amanda is hired to defend Brandon. She doesn’t believe his story, but if he didn’t kill Masterson, who did?
For this reader the plot was overly complex and Amanda’s sleuthing does not reveal any great surprises.
When Christine Larson, a member of a prestigious law firm, Masterson, Hamilton, Rickman and Thomas, asks Amanda to represent Tom Beatty, a paralegal at her firm, Amanda readily agrees. Tom is a former Navy SEAL with PTSD who defended himself against a bully in a bar fight. Witnesses all agree that Tom didn’t start the fight and Amanda gets the charge dismissed. She’s pleased completely unaware that the real trouble is right around the corner,
Christine had been looking into falsified financial statements provided by her law firm, but before she has a chance to even ask questions she is murdered and her body planted in Beatty’s apartment. Further, someone tips a Portland narcotics detective that Beatty had been selling heroin - a trumped up accusation. The police pick him up and Amanda promises she’ll soon have him bailed out as she’s sure Christine was murdered by one of the top lawyers in her firm - maybe Masterson himself.
Beatty is released from custody shortly before Masterson is found murdered. Masterson’s son Brandon is seen running from the house covered in blood so Beatty is off the hook for that murder. An avid environmental activist Brandon readily admits to the killing and plans to use his trial as a platform to broadcast his father’s crimes.
It’s no surprise that Amanda is hired to defend Brandon. She doesn’t believe his story, but if he didn’t kill Masterson, who did?
For this reader the plot was overly complex and Amanda’s sleuthing does not reveal any great surprises.
March 11, 2016
Defense attorney Amanda Jaffe is handed one of the most complicated cases of her life, as she is forced to explore the boundary between what is just and what is legal. As one client becomes two and the parallel cases seem to converge, will Amanda be able to unravel the complicated weave before more innocent people are harmed?
How far would a moral person go, in an effort to protect someone who broke the letter of the law, but perhaps not the spirit? Amanda Jaffe is confronted with this when she decides to keep silent about an incident that she should have reported to the police. As she fights to prove the innocence of both of her clients, Amanda allows the possibility that there are degrees of innocence that she is willing to live with. Fast paced with the great highs and lows you would expect from a legal thriller, Violent Crimes explores when the lines blur between right and wrong. Amanda Jaffe showed more depth in this book, as she fights tirelessly for her clients. I would recommend Violent Crimes to readers who enjoy legal thrillers.
How far would a moral person go, in an effort to protect someone who broke the letter of the law, but perhaps not the spirit? Amanda Jaffe is confronted with this when she decides to keep silent about an incident that she should have reported to the police. As she fights to prove the innocence of both of her clients, Amanda allows the possibility that there are degrees of innocence that she is willing to live with. Fast paced with the great highs and lows you would expect from a legal thriller, Violent Crimes explores when the lines blur between right and wrong. Amanda Jaffe showed more depth in this book, as she fights tirelessly for her clients. I would recommend Violent Crimes to readers who enjoy legal thrillers.
March 22, 2016
I enjoyed Margolin's earlier works but have decided after reading this one that either his writing has deteriorated or my taste in literature has vastly improved. The characters in this book are laughable and completely unbelievable. The characters are one dimensional, the "bad guys" all but wear black hats, the dialogue is stilted and elementary and the plot preposterous. It was like reading the script for a really bad cop tv show. Sad.
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