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Marc Kadella Legal Mystery #1-3
Marc Kadella Mystery Series Vol 1-3
COURTROOM DRAMA MEETS THE NEWSROOM--with a heaping dose of murder mystery--in this trio of pulse-pounding legal thrillers…
Minneapolis criminal attorney Marc Kadella knows the best and the worst of the law—from corrupt police officers to crooked judges, with a handful of unforgettable clients in between. Highlighting the beginning of his career, this collection features Marc’s involvement with an accused serial killer, the family of an influential (and irresistible) socialite, and the young mother of a missing toddler caught up in a media circus. Chock-full of grit and street savvy, this action-packed legal thriller series is a Grisham fan’s dream. (And we dare you not to fall in love with Marc’s best friend, badass private investigator Maddy Rivers). We guarantee you’ll tear right through these first 3 novels, now bundled in a page-turning box set.
BOOK ONE – THE KEY TO JUSTICE
Financially embarrassed, getting a divorce, living in a shabby apartment, and distinctly short of clients, Marc Kadella’s beginning to question why he ever went into the law when a friend brings him the case all Minneapolis is watching--defending an accused serial killer. If he wins, it could turn his life around— if he blows it, he better go into sales.
It's a classic David-and Goliath setup, and the author’s got some pretty fancy twists in store as Kadella unravels a complicated plot to set his client up, and Maddy battles demons that just keep coming at her. Fans of John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, and of course the most beloved lawyer sleuth of all time, Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason, will gobble up this one and go back for the rest of the series.
BOOK TWO – DESPERATE JUSTICE
After winning the case of a lifetime, Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer Marc Kadella welcomes the new energy his career is receiving. Another lawyer asks him to represent the co-defendant in a murder trial resulting from a petty crime that spiraled out of control—the somewhat “accidental” murder of the nephew of Vivian Corwin, grande dame of the influential Corwin family. Disarmingly charming and still downright sexy at sixty-eight, there’s more to Vivian than meets the eye. You just gotta love a society doyenne who can toss off, “… if I wasn’t a lady, right about now I would f--- you.”
Marc has no illusions about why he’s being brought into the case, or what will happen. What he doesn’t know is that he’s gotten on the wrong side of a crooked judge; he just knows the guy hates him and will do everything he can to make life miserable for Marc and his client.
BOOK THREE – MEDIA JUSTICE
An adorable—and photogenic—two-year-old girl is kidnapped, and, when her remains are found, her twenty-two-year-old widowed mother Brittany is arrested for her murder. But before she can even be charged, she’s been tried and convicted by the media., at the center of which is Melinda Pace, a cynical, mostly-functioning alcoholic Minneapolis television personality with a “legal news” show called The Court Reporter. Not even in the alternative universe of television news could she be described as a reporter, since she makes no attempt at or pretense of presenting the truth, or even the facts. She does do a great job of producing through-the-roof ratings and whipping the public into a frenzy—with tragic consequences.
Minneapolis criminal attorney Marc Kadella knows the best and the worst of the law—from corrupt police officers to crooked judges, with a handful of unforgettable clients in between. Highlighting the beginning of his career, this collection features Marc’s involvement with an accused serial killer, the family of an influential (and irresistible) socialite, and the young mother of a missing toddler caught up in a media circus. Chock-full of grit and street savvy, this action-packed legal thriller series is a Grisham fan’s dream. (And we dare you not to fall in love with Marc’s best friend, badass private investigator Maddy Rivers). We guarantee you’ll tear right through these first 3 novels, now bundled in a page-turning box set.
BOOK ONE – THE KEY TO JUSTICE
Financially embarrassed, getting a divorce, living in a shabby apartment, and distinctly short of clients, Marc Kadella’s beginning to question why he ever went into the law when a friend brings him the case all Minneapolis is watching--defending an accused serial killer. If he wins, it could turn his life around— if he blows it, he better go into sales.
It's a classic David-and Goliath setup, and the author’s got some pretty fancy twists in store as Kadella unravels a complicated plot to set his client up, and Maddy battles demons that just keep coming at her. Fans of John Grisham, Richard North Patterson, and of course the most beloved lawyer sleuth of all time, Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason, will gobble up this one and go back for the rest of the series.
BOOK TWO – DESPERATE JUSTICE
After winning the case of a lifetime, Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer Marc Kadella welcomes the new energy his career is receiving. Another lawyer asks him to represent the co-defendant in a murder trial resulting from a petty crime that spiraled out of control—the somewhat “accidental” murder of the nephew of Vivian Corwin, grande dame of the influential Corwin family. Disarmingly charming and still downright sexy at sixty-eight, there’s more to Vivian than meets the eye. You just gotta love a society doyenne who can toss off, “… if I wasn’t a lady, right about now I would f--- you.”
Marc has no illusions about why he’s being brought into the case, or what will happen. What he doesn’t know is that he’s gotten on the wrong side of a crooked judge; he just knows the guy hates him and will do everything he can to make life miserable for Marc and his client.
BOOK THREE – MEDIA JUSTICE
An adorable—and photogenic—two-year-old girl is kidnapped, and, when her remains are found, her twenty-two-year-old widowed mother Brittany is arrested for her murder. But before she can even be charged, she’s been tried and convicted by the media., at the center of which is Melinda Pace, a cynical, mostly-functioning alcoholic Minneapolis television personality with a “legal news” show called The Court Reporter. Not even in the alternative universe of television news could she be described as a reporter, since she makes no attempt at or pretense of presenting the truth, or even the facts. She does do a great job of producing through-the-roof ratings and whipping the public into a frenzy—with tragic consequences.
1663 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 28, 2017
1103 people are currently reading
398 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Carstens
32 books119 followersDennis Carstens was born in Worthington, MN, and has lived most of his life in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. He received a BA from the University of Minnesota and his J.D. from a highly respected private law school, William Mitchell, in St. Paul. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a retired trial lawyer, Carstens brings these life experiences to his fiction for a dose of realism and accuracy missing from much of the legal thriller genre today.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 8, 2019
The Key to Justice is 4.5 stars raised to 5! Women were being murdered brutally. Marc is hired to defend the alleged perpetrator, an unlikable ex convict with a history of abusing women. He uses Maddy as his PI. she is tough and aggressive and also solution oriented. It is well written and the characters are well developed and interesting. I actually appreciated reading a legal thriller with some great courtroom scenes in which the defense attorney was not fabulously wealthy and actually had to worry about finances for a change!
Desperate Justice is five stars. What a fascinating novel! The author takes the reader on a non-stop roller coaster ride in which a despicable man who is also a former Judge, who recently convicted and over sentenced one of Kadella’s clients, hires Kadella to defend him on first degree murder charges which the reader knows from the onset are not true. It is gripping and will keep the reader involved throughout. Thanks to the author for an e-Galley for an honest review.
Media Justice tells the story of Brittany who was a promiscuous teenager who got pregnant and then married the baby’s father. Shortly after the little girl was born, the father was killed in an accident and she was left widowed and a single mother. When she was 22 she met Bob Olsen while at work and they began dating. She was convinced they had a future and brought him into her small daughter’s life. One morning, after Bob stayed over, she woke up to find both Bob and her daughter gone. She didn’t know what to do and was leery of bringing the matter before the authorities for fear that she would prove a mess up once again. She spent time searching for Becky and Bob but was unsuccessful and after ten days her mother learned what happened and contacted the authorities. Shortly thereafter she was arrested very publicly (the media had been notified of the forthcoming midnight arrest) and taken into custody. Marc Kadella was hired to defend her. I won’t go any further into the plot because of spoilers, but must give kudos to the author for writing once of the most authentic legal procedurals I’ve ever come across. Additionally his use of the media and misreporting and misrepresenting as part of the villains is all too feasible in today’s world. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ebook for an honest review.
Desperate Justice is five stars. What a fascinating novel! The author takes the reader on a non-stop roller coaster ride in which a despicable man who is also a former Judge, who recently convicted and over sentenced one of Kadella’s clients, hires Kadella to defend him on first degree murder charges which the reader knows from the onset are not true. It is gripping and will keep the reader involved throughout. Thanks to the author for an e-Galley for an honest review.
Media Justice tells the story of Brittany who was a promiscuous teenager who got pregnant and then married the baby’s father. Shortly after the little girl was born, the father was killed in an accident and she was left widowed and a single mother. When she was 22 she met Bob Olsen while at work and they began dating. She was convinced they had a future and brought him into her small daughter’s life. One morning, after Bob stayed over, she woke up to find both Bob and her daughter gone. She didn’t know what to do and was leery of bringing the matter before the authorities for fear that she would prove a mess up once again. She spent time searching for Becky and Bob but was unsuccessful and after ten days her mother learned what happened and contacted the authorities. Shortly thereafter she was arrested very publicly (the media had been notified of the forthcoming midnight arrest) and taken into custody. Marc Kadella was hired to defend her. I won’t go any further into the plot because of spoilers, but must give kudos to the author for writing once of the most authentic legal procedurals I’ve ever come across. Additionally his use of the media and misreporting and misrepresenting as part of the villains is all too feasible in today’s world. Thanks to the author and publisher for an ebook for an honest review.
August 31, 2020
Marc Kadella is a great lawyer even his worst enemy wants him to represent him.
Marc Kadella is such a great lawyer that even the judge that hates him for making him a laughing stock wants him to represent him. And he is broke enough to take him on. This invoves his girl friend judge Margret Tennet, his. Three office partners, and his Pi gorgeous Maddy,and her mentor Tony former cop and big time Pi. And sometime boyfriend of socialite Vivian who has fingers in all kinds of things. And of course Marc has a tendency to make enemies of the darnedest people. Exciting fast paced, humorous, lots of drama, he takes on lost causes and sometime win sometime loses but god does he play a great trial. Your hooked from first to last and can’t go to bed and stop to pee don’t stop to eat until somebody shoves food under your face and you forget you have a fork or spoon because you are reading and don’t want to miss anything. I stayed up 24 hours straight to read these and don’t regret it. If I could would give ten stars
Marc Kadella is such a great lawyer that even the judge that hates him for making him a laughing stock wants him to represent him. And he is broke enough to take him on. This invoves his girl friend judge Margret Tennet, his. Three office partners, and his Pi gorgeous Maddy,and her mentor Tony former cop and big time Pi. And sometime boyfriend of socialite Vivian who has fingers in all kinds of things. And of course Marc has a tendency to make enemies of the darnedest people. Exciting fast paced, humorous, lots of drama, he takes on lost causes and sometime win sometime loses but god does he play a great trial. Your hooked from first to last and can’t go to bed and stop to pee don’t stop to eat until somebody shoves food under your face and you forget you have a fork or spoon because you are reading and don’t want to miss anything. I stayed up 24 hours straight to read these and don’t regret it. If I could would give ten stars
February 18, 2021
I Posted my rating on Book 1 "A Key to Justice" before beginning to read Book 2 (in this volume of 3.) However, I loved it so much I immediately started on Book 3 without giving it a review. Oops!
Book 2 is "Desperate Justice" and it lived up to its name! Excellent, and very honest look at what some people will do to achieve the end result they want. Only problem I see is the length of each book. They are longer than the average mystery or thriller novel and can drag in some spots.
I'm almost through with Book 3" Media Justice" now, so I will be back for another review before starting Volume 2 with books 4-6! Love these books! l love (or despise) the characters in the books, which is always a good sign of a great author, in my humble opinion.
Now I'm going to finish Book 3!
Book 2 is "Desperate Justice" and it lived up to its name! Excellent, and very honest look at what some people will do to achieve the end result they want. Only problem I see is the length of each book. They are longer than the average mystery or thriller novel and can drag in some spots.
I'm almost through with Book 3" Media Justice" now, so I will be back for another review before starting Volume 2 with books 4-6! Love these books! l love (or despise) the characters in the books, which is always a good sign of a great author, in my humble opinion.
Now I'm going to finish Book 3!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2018
Murder & Mayhem Meet Their Match
Marc Kadella enlists the aid of a colorful cast of characters to defend clients he's unlikely to get freed. A realistic portral of how cases move through the judicial system. An in depth look @ the investigation necessary to defend a person charged with murder. Kadella calls on a 2 P.I.'s, both retired police detectives, to do the leg work. Lawyers in his office lend their expertise, as does a TV reporter.
These books have good pacing & character development.
Marc Kadella enlists the aid of a colorful cast of characters to defend clients he's unlikely to get freed. A realistic portral of how cases move through the judicial system. An in depth look @ the investigation necessary to defend a person charged with murder. Kadella calls on a 2 P.I.'s, both retired police detectives, to do the leg work. Lawyers in his office lend their expertise, as does a TV reporter.
These books have good pacing & character development.
March 27, 2021
Engaging
All three stories are well written and look at the practice of law, corruption and the influence of media. The author seems to want readers to see that lawyers do not always get paid, corruption is occurring at all levels of the legal system, some police departments skew evidence and investigations for personal advancement, and media skews the news for ratings while ignoring truth. In the third story , it seemed odd that the retail store would not have had security footage to prove Bob's existence.
All three stories are well written and look at the practice of law, corruption and the influence of media. The author seems to want readers to see that lawyers do not always get paid, corruption is occurring at all levels of the legal system, some police departments skew evidence and investigations for personal advancement, and media skews the news for ratings while ignoring truth. In the third story , it seemed odd that the retail store would not have had security footage to prove Bob's existence.
June 28, 2021
Casey Anthony’s history repeats itself.
This literally brought back visions of watching hours of evening news just waiting for Casey Anthony to be accused of murder of her little girl and the anger of that not happening. This story followed so closely with the exception of the innocence of the mother. The media was just as bad like a bunch of blood hungry pit bulls. I hated the ending. After all she had been through I wish Brittany had lived at the end. But at least they got the bad guy.
This literally brought back visions of watching hours of evening news just waiting for Casey Anthony to be accused of murder of her little girl and the anger of that not happening. This story followed so closely with the exception of the innocence of the mother. The media was just as bad like a bunch of blood hungry pit bulls. I hated the ending. After all she had been through I wish Brittany had lived at the end. But at least they got the bad guy.
August 31, 2021
Love these books
I just completed these books and loved all of them. The author keeps you guessing all the way to the end. It is interesting to see the different sides of a case and to imagine being in a situation where you are on trial. Media Justice also gave me a unique perspective on how much influence the media has over our opinions and how it effects others. I love the main character Marc Kadella and how down to earth and believable he is. I highly recommend these books and can't wait to start book four
I just completed these books and loved all of them. The author keeps you guessing all the way to the end. It is interesting to see the different sides of a case and to imagine being in a situation where you are on trial. Media Justice also gave me a unique perspective on how much influence the media has over our opinions and how it effects others. I love the main character Marc Kadella and how down to earth and believable he is. I highly recommend these books and can't wait to start book four
November 26, 2021
Spot on
I feel like the author did a fine job portraying much of the media today.
There was a time when only facts were reported by the best newscasters and reporters. Not so for many years.
I haven't had television in my home since 2003; 18 years. Now the internet has become a stew of falsehood with a tiny bit of truth mixed in.
The author shows the lack of accountability in reporting. Media running unverified stories and getting away with spreading lies. Well researched and written. Kept me engaged.
I feel like the author did a fine job portraying much of the media today.
There was a time when only facts were reported by the best newscasters and reporters. Not so for many years.
I haven't had television in my home since 2003; 18 years. Now the internet has become a stew of falsehood with a tiny bit of truth mixed in.
The author shows the lack of accountability in reporting. Media running unverified stories and getting away with spreading lies. Well researched and written. Kept me engaged.
October 30, 2023
Devastatingly dramatic
A small series comprising of the first three of a series of books in the Match Kadella mystery book series. From defending the brother of a friend , through defending the crooked judge who had presided of the original case and on to a young mother accused of murdering her young daughter these intriguing and eventful books drag the reader through the ups and downs of a, sometimes, warped and tragic series of trials. Not to be missed reading for all afficienados of murder mysteries. Highly recommended reading.
A small series comprising of the first three of a series of books in the Match Kadella mystery book series. From defending the brother of a friend , through defending the crooked judge who had presided of the original case and on to a young mother accused of murdering her young daughter these intriguing and eventful books drag the reader through the ups and downs of a, sometimes, warped and tragic series of trials. Not to be missed reading for all afficienados of murder mysteries. Highly recommended reading.
February 10, 2024
Great read! You will be surprised.
Dennis Carstens is a master at writing books that you cannot put down. He doesn’t just tie everything together with a pretty pink bow like so many of the books from the lawyers point of view. His characters are so in depth. Some you will love and some you will hate, but all very believable. You will get absolutely involved in his books. I have read the first three Marc Kadella books. Can’t wait to read the next one. Dennis Carstens, you just made the list of my most favorite authors.
Dennis Carstens is a master at writing books that you cannot put down. He doesn’t just tie everything together with a pretty pink bow like so many of the books from the lawyers point of view. His characters are so in depth. Some you will love and some you will hate, but all very believable. You will get absolutely involved in his books. I have read the first three Marc Kadella books. Can’t wait to read the next one. Dennis Carstens, you just made the list of my most favorite authors.
June 23, 2018
Love these characters and this author.
I finished these first three books -- could not put them down. Carstens created very strong characters, love them or hate them, which will stay with you long after the stories have ended. More importantly, Carstens makes the law both accessible and entertaining. I can see myself in these stories, hanging out with the characters. It's a great place to be.
I finished these first three books -- could not put them down. Carstens created very strong characters, love them or hate them, which will stay with you long after the stories have ended. More importantly, Carstens makes the law both accessible and entertaining. I can see myself in these stories, hanging out with the characters. It's a great place to be.
March 31, 2022
very engaging
I just finished the first 3 of the Marc Kadella series, & tho I’m not one to gush about a book, these 3 books were great & I’m looking forward to continuing the series. I particularly like how in tune with the times they are, very realistic & down to earth. And I know it’s almost a cliché, but they each had a little zinger at the end just when you thought the story was over. Highly recommend these books.
I just finished the first 3 of the Marc Kadella series, & tho I’m not one to gush about a book, these 3 books were great & I’m looking forward to continuing the series. I particularly like how in tune with the times they are, very realistic & down to earth. And I know it’s almost a cliché, but they each had a little zinger at the end just when you thought the story was over. Highly recommend these books.
May 31, 2022
Boring
If you like reading books where the author is just filling pages, then this book is for you. The first book had a sub plot going that had nothing to do with the story, and a lot of pages devoted to it. The second book I only made it 1/4 of the way, I couldn't take it anymore. I don't need to know all the intricate proceeding that go on in a courtroom or inside a lawyers office. Just tell. The the story without the jibberjabber!
If you like reading books where the author is just filling pages, then this book is for you. The first book had a sub plot going that had nothing to do with the story, and a lot of pages devoted to it. The second book I only made it 1/4 of the way, I couldn't take it anymore. I don't need to know all the intricate proceeding that go on in a courtroom or inside a lawyers office. Just tell. The the story without the jibberjabber!
July 24, 2022
Those three books were a nice summer read. Nothing really complicated but not boring either. The author might have put too much of his own personal views in the book but, well, i guess it is a human thing to do. It just made me think of closing the boo, a few times, as he is clearly a man (and his editors missed a few misogynistic parts here and there) and even more clearly american and believe capitalism is a good thing :)
April 16, 2021
Marc is one of the best series characters
Addicted, fast paced....i must confess this is my second time to read the Marc Kadella series...its a great go to series when you want to go to a favorite author that you enjoy. I read this series many years ago and am enjoying it once again.
Addicted, fast paced....i must confess this is my second time to read the Marc Kadella series...its a great go to series when you want to go to a favorite author that you enjoy. I read this series many years ago and am enjoying it once again.
October 11, 2023
A Little In Love
Yes, after binge reading several Marc Kadellas, I must admit I’m a little in love with him and a little in love with Mr. Carstens. I’ve enjoyed so much reading about Marc’s life and practice of jurisprudence. And I’m ever so glad that Dennis wrote all these books of excellent Courtroom Drama for everyone to read and enjoy. Wish I could start all I over again.
Yes, after binge reading several Marc Kadellas, I must admit I’m a little in love with him and a little in love with Mr. Carstens. I’ve enjoyed so much reading about Marc’s life and practice of jurisprudence. And I’m ever so glad that Dennis wrote all these books of excellent Courtroom Drama for everyone to read and enjoy. Wish I could start all I over again.
December 17, 2023
Lawyers are people too
This is a great series which more accurately describes how a real criminal lawyer works. There are no surprise “light bulb “ moments where he solves a crime . There is just normal lawyering and judicial process with some real sounding politicking and investigations. Read, enjoy and give thanks to your creator that you chose a different profession.
This is a great series which more accurately describes how a real criminal lawyer works. There are no surprise “light bulb “ moments where he solves a crime . There is just normal lawyering and judicial process with some real sounding politicking and investigations. Read, enjoy and give thanks to your creator that you chose a different profession.
August 28, 2019
great legal story
This box set was really interesting. I learned a lot about court procedures and legal terms. You never guessed who the killer really was. Would definitely read more from this author.
This box set was really interesting. I learned a lot about court procedures and legal terms. You never guessed who the killer really was. Would definitely read more from this author.
October 4, 2021
Quality read
Very much love the quality and detail of these books
Keep me guessing all the way through. Well written. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a really good legal mystery
Very much love the quality and detail of these books
Keep me guessing all the way through. Well written. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a really good legal mystery
November 5, 2022
Marc Kadella mystery series vol1-3
I usually don't do reviews, but these books were so informative of the legalities of the law which made these stories so very interesting I couldn't put the books down. Highly recommend this knowledgeable author.
I usually don't do reviews, but these books were so informative of the legalities of the law which made these stories so very interesting I couldn't put the books down. Highly recommend this knowledgeable author.
November 20, 2023
I love legal mysteries
This book is written by someone who is a defense lawyer. He goes into all the details making you believe that you are in the story not just reading them.
Well done Dennis
This book is written by someone who is a defense lawyer. He goes into all the details making you believe that you are in the story not just reading them.
Well done Dennis
November 30, 2023
Great series ,
Thoroughly enjoyed these three books ! Well developed characters and good storylines. Very believable and a few surprises that weren't expected . Good continuity .
Very well done !
Thoroughly enjoyed these three books ! Well developed characters and good storylines. Very believable and a few surprises that weren't expected . Good continuity .
Very well done !
January 1, 2024
Marc Kadella Mystery Series -
These were pretty good. They were a bit unrealistic at times but mostly enjoyable to read. A few spots where you want to say, "Oh come on..." I would rate the series at 3.5 stars.
These were pretty good. They were a bit unrealistic at times but mostly enjoyable to read. A few spots where you want to say, "Oh come on..." I would rate the series at 3.5 stars.
March 23, 2024
If you enjoy courtroom drama and good character development, you will enjoy this series. The author also develops the strategies of both prosecutors and the defense. And, the story lines are realistic and not predictable, with some surprises. I'm continuing with the next book set.
December 4, 2024
WOW, WOW, WOW
Read these books from the beginning, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!! Descriptive, page turning, suspenseful!!! I have already purchased series!!! Going to read them all, one after the next!!!!!
Read these books from the beginning, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them!!! Descriptive, page turning, suspenseful!!! I have already purchased series!!! Going to read them all, one after the next!!!!!
April 5, 2018
Good Book
I enjoyed this book a lot.I had a lot of good character's. Hope you enjoy this book also. Thumbs up for me.
I enjoyed this book a lot.I had a lot of good character's. Hope you enjoy this book also. Thumbs up for me.
October 27, 2018
Excellent
October 29, 2018
Awesome Story
I thought that these stories were great. Lots of suspense and intrigue throughout the series. I couldn’t put it down once I started it.
I thought that these stories were great. Lots of suspense and intrigue throughout the series. I couldn’t put it down once I started it.
Read
May 28, 2020Absolutely love this series. Have books 1-10 now and reading my 4th.
September 7, 2020
Very good books. Surprise endings. Just a little boring with all the court room details. Felt like a lot of repetition in the books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews