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The Heart of Justice

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The federal judge has before him a case of epic proportions and enormous implications - an unprecedented corporate takeover war. In a staggering turn of events, Judge Murray finds himself trapped by his love for his new wife and his dedication to the law. His decision, no matter how it turns out, will change the course of his life with everything on the his honor, his reputation, his marriage, even his own skin. First as a man, then as a judge, he must confront what is at the heart of justice.

Audiobook

First published January 1, 1995

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About the author

William J. Coughlin

36 books48 followers
William Jeremiah Coughlin (1929-1992), former defense attorney and judge in Detroit for twenty years, was the author of sixteen novels. He lived in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan with his wife, Ruth, an author and book critic.

Also wrote under the pseudonym of Sean A. Key.

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5 stars
86 (28%)
4 stars
90 (30%)
3 stars
88 (29%)
2 stars
19 (6%)
1 star
14 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Profile Image for CLM.
127 reviews1 follower
January 31, 2017
A bit dated

Coughlin is usually ahead of his era on women and other issues, but not so much in this one. I'm also not so sure that the denouement passes the smell test. Nevertheless, a great plot.
83 reviews3 followers
July 2, 2024
This is the third in the series and they are all absolutely fabulous!

Absolutely stunning. A cliffhanger. I couldn't put it down. I read half the night because I just cannot put it down. Can't recommend it enough.
974 reviews4 followers
March 16, 2018
I realize that this was written a long time ago, but it doesn’t stand up well to the 2018 me too movement.
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,933 reviews
December 12, 2018
Judge Paul Murray, recently promoted to the federal bench. That he has no idea his very well connected socialite wife Hope was responsible for his new position is clear. Judge Murray is a good man, diligent in his courtroom dealings. The case of corporate raiding is pretty clear but the principals are closer to the Judge than he could ever know.

The story is interesting though it kind of makes me despair for the common people when the powerful ones are so corrupt, but that’s the way it is. The favour that Hope asked for has far reaching consequences as Judge Murray finds himself compromised.

I enjoyed this book and will read more of William Coughlin’s books. Apparently this one was published posthumously.



Profile Image for Andrea.
230 reviews18 followers
December 4, 2008
The book..... is.. o..k.... blah... the book is all about blackmails, courts, stockplayers (is that even a word?), investors, and revenge. It's a boring book.. It's a simple book but has too many characters which isn't my favourite. It's not worst but it's slow to read. It has a very simple plot which is not worth for me to tell you. haha. sorry for a crappy review. :P
17 reviews
January 15, 2017
I just couldn't get into this book - and believe me, I was so looking forward to reading it,since it was Coughlin's last book. I only made it through 95 pages. I didn't like the characters, I thought the working-class-guy-makes-good-marries-rich-girl storyline was too trite, and I just had a hard time following the ins and outs of big business.
Profile Image for Faith.
89 reviews
December 28, 2011
The story seemed interesting in the summary, but the story just didn't grab me beyond that.
Profile Image for Rhod.
498 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2015
I was looking forward to more from Coughlin, but this book just didn't capture me and I only read a few chapters.
2,035 reviews11 followers
June 19, 2016
First Coughlin book for me. A little melodramatic but a pretty good yarn. Will check out some of his other efforts.
Profile Image for Leslie.
20 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2012
Good summer read. Since I have worked in the law field, I understood the workings of the court.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews