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Talon Winter Legal Thrillers #1
Winter's Law
Criminal defense attorney Talon Winter takes on the case of her life--and her client's. Michael Jameson is a successful, forty-something, African American husband and father. And he's just been charged with a 25-year-old cold case murder, a gang-related drug deal gone horribly wrong. Talon agrees to take the case, but the one question she needs answered is the one question Michael refuses to answer: Did he do it?
Michael insists it doesn't matter. He's not the same person he was twenty-five years ago. He's built a new life in the intervening years, and nothing that happens now will bring the victim back. Instead, he poses a far more provocative question: Would the legal system reach back that far to take away everything built up by a successful White man?
Michael insists it doesn't matter. He's not the same person he was twenty-five years ago. He's built a new life in the intervening years, and nothing that happens now will bring the victim back. Instead, he poses a far more provocative question: Would the legal system reach back that far to take away everything built up by a successful White man?
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 19, 2016
1454 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Penner
62 books164 followersStephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
Stephen is the author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. The TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. And the RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family. For more information, visit his website www.stephenpenner.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
March 18, 2017
Somewhat okay read.
Talon, left her civil practice and started her own practice. First case she took was criminal first degree murder. This is the only case she has and not making money. Keeps complaining about not having money but not doing anything about it. 25 years old cold case, she is playing black and white issue. She herself is Native American. Did really disliked animalistic sex. More like a 2.5 stars.
Talon, left her civil practice and started her own practice. First case she took was criminal first degree murder. This is the only case she has and not making money. Keeps complaining about not having money but not doing anything about it. 25 years old cold case, she is playing black and white issue. She herself is Native American. Did really disliked animalistic sex. More like a 2.5 stars.
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September 24, 2017
Disappointing
I have two issues with this book hence the low rating. That is unfortunate as the writing is pretty good.
1. Sometimes one has to suspend belief to enjoy a good story. But the simple fact is that this case would have been laughed out of court on day one. We have a weapon that has no chain of custody for 25 years. It has been in the hands of at least one other party. How do we know it is the same weapon? We obviously don't. Dumb. We know that there were 5 people present. But we can't put the gun in anyones hand. Maybe there were two guns. Or three. Who knows?
2. The cast of characters reads like a social justice warrior's wet dream. Stupid old white guy prosecutor. Hot Native American defence attorney. African-American from the projects who made good. Witnesses attacked for their "unconscious bias" and "white privilege." Vomit!
Of course we need to throw in some gratuitous sex.
I have two issues with this book hence the low rating. That is unfortunate as the writing is pretty good.
1. Sometimes one has to suspend belief to enjoy a good story. But the simple fact is that this case would have been laughed out of court on day one. We have a weapon that has no chain of custody for 25 years. It has been in the hands of at least one other party. How do we know it is the same weapon? We obviously don't. Dumb. We know that there were 5 people present. But we can't put the gun in anyones hand. Maybe there were two guns. Or three. Who knows?
2. The cast of characters reads like a social justice warrior's wet dream. Stupid old white guy prosecutor. Hot Native American defence attorney. African-American from the projects who made good. Witnesses attacked for their "unconscious bias" and "white privilege." Vomit!
Of course we need to throw in some gratuitous sex.
February 12, 2017
Transitions require a different learning curve
The most ridiculous part of this story is any attorney taking a first degree murder case as her first criminal case, no matter how extensive and successful her prior civil practice. The second most ridiculous is that anyone would hire her to do so. Despite that shaky premise, this story, as most of Penner's work gives a thorough and entertaining exploration of both the practice and philosophy of a specific area of legal practice. In reality, actual guilt not the point of criminal defense (a good defense lawyer is defending the process more than the client). As Jameson says, "what does it matter?" and the question is, why Talon wants so badly to know the answer.
The most ridiculous part of this story is any attorney taking a first degree murder case as her first criminal case, no matter how extensive and successful her prior civil practice. The second most ridiculous is that anyone would hire her to do so. Despite that shaky premise, this story, as most of Penner's work gives a thorough and entertaining exploration of both the practice and philosophy of a specific area of legal practice. In reality, actual guilt not the point of criminal defense (a good defense lawyer is defending the process more than the client). As Jameson says, "what does it matter?" and the question is, why Talon wants so badly to know the answer.
February 3, 2018
I am a sucker for legal dramas and, while this one certainly fit that description, with plenty of courtroom procedure and argument, a few story line elements stretched credulity. As others have pointed out, the haphazard way that Talon Winter (defendant's attorney) landed upon this, her first murder case, was hard to swallow. Secondly, after months of wrangling with her formal law firm over an unjustifiable firing and struggling with her own legal expenses and iffy revenues, she elected to accept a nominal offer (her attorney's fees) with no counter?! It would have cost her virtually nothing to pursue, would surely have been successful at some higher level, and left me wondering why Penner would paint such a weakness on his otherwise savvy and tough-minded lawyer. Thirdly, contrasting Talon's willingness to be dominated by her former employer, Penner had her conceive, instigate, and choreograph a completely unromantic "whir, blur, thank you sir" sex scene - on her office desk no less - with her investigator (Curt). That scene seemed out-of-character for Talon, gratuitous to the story, and demeaning to its protagonist.
Overall, the crime, trial, characters (e.g., judge, prosecutors, investigator), and dialogue seemed realistic to me as well as engaging. I fully expected the verdict that was rendered based upon my own sense of fairness and justice; however, Penner held me in suspense until the judge read it aloud to the court. I thought that "Winter's Law" was well-written and an enjoyable read.
Overall, the crime, trial, characters (e.g., judge, prosecutors, investigator), and dialogue seemed realistic to me as well as engaging. I fully expected the verdict that was rendered based upon my own sense of fairness and justice; however, Penner held me in suspense until the judge read it aloud to the court. I thought that "Winter's Law" was well-written and an enjoyable read.
August 24, 2017
Most excellent!
Excellent story of a young lawyer's struggle opening a solo practice and her transitioning from civil litigation to criminal defense. Lots of twists and turns throughout the book, leaving the ultimate question of the defendant's guilt unanswered. Left the door ope to a whole series of sequel books. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
Excellent story of a young lawyer's struggle opening a solo practice and her transitioning from civil litigation to criminal defense. Lots of twists and turns throughout the book, leaving the ultimate question of the defendant's guilt unanswered. Left the door ope to a whole series of sequel books. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
March 16, 2019
Good legal mystery novel
Almost gave the novel 4 stars but the legal lessons learned from reading the novel added a star. Don’t really agree with the author about “hearsay” as used in the novel, but Judge Judy would probably agree. Recommend
Almost gave the novel 4 stars but the legal lessons learned from reading the novel added a star. Don’t really agree with the author about “hearsay” as used in the novel, but Judge Judy would probably agree. Recommend
July 12, 2022
Decent debut, though a bit uneventful
Same great writing style, same quick pace. Good character intros (hey there, Curt!), though I hope to see more. The case itself was interesting, as per usual from Stephen Penner books. When Michael Jameson, a successful man who happens to be black, is charged with a crime that happened 25 years ago, he summons Winter (who is newly running solo with her own practice) to defend him. Only problem is, he's evasive and at times secretive, insisting that whether or not he did the crime is irrelevant because of who he's grown to be. There were plenty of thought-provoking themes peppered throughout that involve race relations and crimes, whether or not Michael would have been accused if he was a white man instead. It's a very touchy subject, as expected. Lots of carefulness, which is probably why the book felt sorta uneventful to me.
I guess it was more jarring than expected to be in the perspective of a defense attorney rather than that of a prosecuting one (good ol' Dave Brunelle, that lovable man-child with 14 books). Not that it's a bad thing, of course, but it's certainly gonna take some getting used to, simply because the manner of case-building is structured differently. Fortunately, I adored Talon Winter's firecracker debut in book two of David Brunelle's series "Tribal Court," so I was plenty excited to dive into her world after departing Dave's. Only thing is, though, this book's Talon came across a bit differently than Tribal Court's Talon. She's seemingly a bit LESS of everything than before: less confident, a little less feisty. It's all still there, most definitely, but... toned down, and it was noticeable. She seemed SO sure of herself when she defended the criminal in Brunelle's case, and yet this time, she's got newbie vibes, frequently commenting that she's not familiar with criminal law.
I couldn't quite put my finger it. Is it because being in her head instead of Brunelle's more "humanizes" her? Is it because this is her first case as a private attorney? Or is it simply because Brunelle isn't there ruffling her feathers? Either way, in Tribal Court, Talon felt like a brutal force to be reckoned with, masterful in her craft, incredibly self-assured. Had it not been for the brief mention of her case against the "hotshot Seattle D.A." (Brunelle), I'd have even assumed this book (and by default this entire series) was set in the past, depicting how Talon came to be that uber confident defense attorney she had been in Tribal Court. I'm pretty much going with the fact that she's considerably more vulnerable than before due to her rapidly changed life circumstances. I'm just hoping that fiery Talon will come out to play in the latter books. This unfamiliar one isn't as much appealing to me.
Time will tell.
Same great writing style, same quick pace. Good character intros (hey there, Curt!), though I hope to see more. The case itself was interesting, as per usual from Stephen Penner books. When Michael Jameson, a successful man who happens to be black, is charged with a crime that happened 25 years ago, he summons Winter (who is newly running solo with her own practice) to defend him. Only problem is, he's evasive and at times secretive, insisting that whether or not he did the crime is irrelevant because of who he's grown to be. There were plenty of thought-provoking themes peppered throughout that involve race relations and crimes, whether or not Michael would have been accused if he was a white man instead. It's a very touchy subject, as expected. Lots of carefulness, which is probably why the book felt sorta uneventful to me.
I guess it was more jarring than expected to be in the perspective of a defense attorney rather than that of a prosecuting one (good ol' Dave Brunelle, that lovable man-child with 14 books). Not that it's a bad thing, of course, but it's certainly gonna take some getting used to, simply because the manner of case-building is structured differently. Fortunately, I adored Talon Winter's firecracker debut in book two of David Brunelle's series "Tribal Court," so I was plenty excited to dive into her world after departing Dave's. Only thing is, though, this book's Talon came across a bit differently than Tribal Court's Talon. She's seemingly a bit LESS of everything than before: less confident, a little less feisty. It's all still there, most definitely, but... toned down, and it was noticeable. She seemed SO sure of herself when she defended the criminal in Brunelle's case, and yet this time, she's got newbie vibes, frequently commenting that she's not familiar with criminal law.
I couldn't quite put my finger it. Is it because being in her head instead of Brunelle's more "humanizes" her? Is it because this is her first case as a private attorney? Or is it simply because Brunelle isn't there ruffling her feathers? Either way, in Tribal Court, Talon felt like a brutal force to be reckoned with, masterful in her craft, incredibly self-assured. Had it not been for the brief mention of her case against the "hotshot Seattle D.A." (Brunelle), I'd have even assumed this book (and by default this entire series) was set in the past, depicting how Talon came to be that uber confident defense attorney she had been in Tribal Court. I'm pretty much going with the fact that she's considerably more vulnerable than before due to her rapidly changed life circumstances. I'm just hoping that fiery Talon will come out to play in the latter books. This unfamiliar one isn't as much appealing to me.
Time will tell.
August 12, 2024
free ebook
i like the other series this author has
this one is a female lawyer , american indian
she is just starting out on her own after her last job ended as she wouldnt falsify a document. she is suing the firm but its taking forever
she only has one client, a man accused of murder 25 yrs ago. he got burglarized and they matched the gun that was used in the murder. he had been working and married with 2 kids and a nice home all these years
he didnt want to tell them, but his brother was selling drugs, he was set up and when they were shot at , he fired back and someone got killed
but he doesnt want to tell on his brother
so the lawyer has to figure out how to defend him and not involve his brother
she got another expert to testify about the gun ballistics
they had a good trial
not guilty
she settled her own case just to pay her lawyer off
she had sex with her pi
she went to the prison and visited her brother
it was really good and i would read more of this series for sure!
i like the other series this author has
this one is a female lawyer , american indian
she is just starting out on her own after her last job ended as she wouldnt falsify a document. she is suing the firm but its taking forever
she only has one client, a man accused of murder 25 yrs ago. he got burglarized and they matched the gun that was used in the murder. he had been working and married with 2 kids and a nice home all these years
he didnt want to tell them, but his brother was selling drugs, he was set up and when they were shot at , he fired back and someone got killed
but he doesnt want to tell on his brother
so the lawyer has to figure out how to defend him and not involve his brother
she got another expert to testify about the gun ballistics
they had a good trial
not guilty
she settled her own case just to pay her lawyer off
she had sex with her pi
she went to the prison and visited her brother
it was really good and i would read more of this series for sure!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2021
Stephen Penned is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.
I first read 1'2'3' of his series of 12 book's showcasing his very obvious talent,and love. Of the genre that he writes about. Then I
Heard about a new series about a talented and forceful woman
Attorney named Talon Williams I just finished reading book #1 of this series. So Ii have read 4 books by Penned ....And loved them all,the characters are all "real"people,not the flat cardboard characters that we all have read from other authors. I strongly recommend you read "Winters law" and read. Some more of Stephen Penner I am getting you will put him on your authors to read list
I first read 1'2'3' of his series of 12 book's showcasing his very obvious talent,and love. Of the genre that he writes about. Then I
Heard about a new series about a talented and forceful woman
Attorney named Talon Williams I just finished reading book #1 of this series. So Ii have read 4 books by Penned ....And loved them all,the characters are all "real"people,not the flat cardboard characters that we all have read from other authors. I strongly recommend you read "Winters law" and read. Some more of Stephen Penner I am getting you will put him on your authors to read list
June 23, 2019
Well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Winter's Law contains a fascinating cast of characters and a plot that continues to build throughout. Filled with suspense, the story kept me on the edge of my seat and held my interest from beginning to end.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next.
September 1, 2024
AWESOME LEGAL THRILLER !!!
This was one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read! It had enough detail to help understand what was going on but not so much as to make the story drag. Also just enough humor to spice it up a bit, cannot say enough good things, thank you for such a great story! The subject was great too, I grew up in the south
This was one of the best legal thrillers I have ever read! It had enough detail to help understand what was going on but not so much as to make the story drag. Also just enough humor to spice it up a bit, cannot say enough good things, thank you for such a great story! The subject was great too, I grew up in the south
May 29, 2017
Suspensefully good read
5 stars to the author. He delivered a really good read. Talon held her own in the court room. I can't wait to read another of Penner's crime thriller. I highly recommend this book if you like suspense, mystery, crime stories, and courtroom drama.
5 stars to the author. He delivered a really good read. Talon held her own in the court room. I can't wait to read another of Penner's crime thriller. I highly recommend this book if you like suspense, mystery, crime stories, and courtroom drama.
September 1, 2017
Excellent
This was an interesting, well written book with characters that were believable with undercurrents of their own problems and concerns. Well written Mr. Penner I would expect no less from you.
I
This was an interesting, well written book with characters that were believable with undercurrents of their own problems and concerns. Well written Mr. Penner I would expect no less from you.
I
October 27, 2017
I was disappointed. It appears this author has several books in a couple of series. I never connected with the main characters, the plot, or the legal aspects of the case. I think it presented female attorneys in the wrong light and criminal attorneys poorly.
January 11, 2020
Fine...
Fine introduction of the prime character, Talon. Story followed a logical course without being predictable. If you like the story and characters, there appears to be several in the series.
Fine introduction of the prime character, Talon. Story followed a logical course without being predictable. If you like the story and characters, there appears to be several in the series.
September 16, 2020
I enjoyed the courtroom scene and the ending but Talon Winter wasn't a particularly likeable or believable female lead character. It made me wonder if male writers should stick to male main characters.
May 14, 2021
Opposite side of the story
So now we get the other perspective of the lawyers world. I found myself routing for an acquittal, I enjoyed the new view and new characters. Looking forward to the next Talon Winter story.
So now we get the other perspective of the lawyers world. I found myself routing for an acquittal, I enjoyed the new view and new characters. Looking forward to the next Talon Winter story.
June 18, 2021
WOW!
A new author for me to read and a first time reading a novel that kept me enthralled from page bbc.co one to the end. Told from the defense side of the case was very well plotted and I want to read more of Mr. Penner's books.
A new author for me to read and a first time reading a novel that kept me enthralled from page bbc.co one to the end. Told from the defense side of the case was very well plotted and I want to read more of Mr. Penner's books.
November 11, 2021
Excellent Read
What a great book to start a new series! The tension and suspense were thrilling! I found myself putting off reading the verdict as if it was my own. What a great book!
What a great book to start a new series! The tension and suspense were thrilling! I found myself putting off reading the verdict as if it was my own. What a great book!
September 18, 2023
Enjoyed it
I really enjoyed this novel written from the defense lawyer’s pint of view. The story was gripping with legal action throughout and Talon the main character is very interesting.
I really enjoyed this novel written from the defense lawyer’s pint of view. The story was gripping with legal action throughout and Talon the main character is very interesting.
May 9, 2017
Winter's law
Different story from start to finish of a trial which became a tale where you knew less at the end than at any point of the read.
Different story from start to finish of a trial which became a tale where you knew less at the end than at any point of the read.
July 2, 2018
Decent Plot
This was a quick read with a decent plot. The author's writing style is wordy, so l doubt I will become a fan of Stephen Penner.
This was a quick read with a decent plot. The author's writing style is wordy, so l doubt I will become a fan of Stephen Penner.
October 21, 2018
Winter's Law
I really enjoyed the book. This story had a lot of suspense. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the ending. It leaves you wondering. I recommend the book
I really enjoyed the book. This story had a lot of suspense. The only thing I didn't like about the book was the ending. It leaves you wondering. I recommend the book
April 12, 2019
Winter's Law
This story did not really hold my attention. Kept waiting for something to happen. Except for verdict nothing was completed
This story did not really hold my attention. Kept waiting for something to happen. Except for verdict nothing was completed
April 21, 2019
Ok read but not great
An all right read but fairly easy to figure out. Dropping a potential personal settlement made no sense at all.
An all right read but fairly easy to figure out. Dropping a potential personal settlement made no sense at all.
Read
September 22, 2019Real page turner (swiper)
It kept me enthralled till the winning-case verdict. Good job on the suspense buildup of the verdict reading . On to #2.
It kept me enthralled till the winning-case verdict. Good job on the suspense buildup of the verdict reading . On to #2.
March 19, 2020
Good read
Good read kept me interested from the beginning, yes I would recommend..cant wait to read more of Stephen's books. A+
Good read kept me interested from the beginning, yes I would recommend..cant wait to read more of Stephen's books. A+
April 19, 2020
Excellent
A very good read, this first book of Talon. She keeps you wanting more and more. Read this book, I know you will enjoy it too.
A very good read, this first book of Talon. She keeps you wanting more and more. Read this book, I know you will enjoy it too.
Read
April 21, 2020Pretty good … I'll read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews