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Vernetta Henderson #2
In Firm Pursuit
Vernetta Henderson once again tackles life's most challenging battles—in and out of the courtroom. The top-notch L.A. attorney juggles marriage, love, career and ambition—only to become enmeshed in an explosive case that puts everything she cherishes most at risk….
After winning a multimillion-dollar verdict in a race-discrimination case, Vernetta Henderson's legal career is definitely on the upswing. Just weeks away from a coveted partnership at her prominent law firm, the African-American attorney takes on the defense of a major corporation in what appears to be an open-and-shut case of sexual harassment. But Vernetta soon discovers that the case is not what it seems. After passing up a chance to settle the lawsuit for a minimal amount of money, a string of unforeseen events places the entire case—and her own promising future—in jeopardy.
It's bad enough having to work with a pretentious second-year associate who has her own agenda. Now Vernetta finds herself going up against the smooth-talking litigator she once beat at trial. And just when she needs her husband, Jefferson, most, he finds himself in a compromising position that could destroy their marriage. As more troubling revelations about the case emerge, Vernetta uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy of corporate greed, deceit and violence that will touch many lives, including that of her closest friend. With both her private and professional lives spiraling dangerously out of control, Vernetta is about to discover what really matters—and how far she'll go to protect the people she loves….
After winning a multimillion-dollar verdict in a race-discrimination case, Vernetta Henderson's legal career is definitely on the upswing. Just weeks away from a coveted partnership at her prominent law firm, the African-American attorney takes on the defense of a major corporation in what appears to be an open-and-shut case of sexual harassment. But Vernetta soon discovers that the case is not what it seems. After passing up a chance to settle the lawsuit for a minimal amount of money, a string of unforeseen events places the entire case—and her own promising future—in jeopardy.
It's bad enough having to work with a pretentious second-year associate who has her own agenda. Now Vernetta finds herself going up against the smooth-talking litigator she once beat at trial. And just when she needs her husband, Jefferson, most, he finds himself in a compromising position that could destroy their marriage. As more troubling revelations about the case emerge, Vernetta uncovers a far-reaching conspiracy of corporate greed, deceit and violence that will touch many lives, including that of her closest friend. With both her private and professional lives spiraling dangerously out of control, Vernetta is about to discover what really matters—and how far she'll go to protect the people she loves….
432 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
224 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 2, 2018
4.5
This second book in the series has Vernetta dealing with several obstacles from both work & home. Although this case seemed simple, one slip caused all types of problems. Jefferson had also encountered a major problem that he hoped Vernetta didn't find. Special was once again the great friend, although some of her actions caused more trouble than help. Overall this was a good read & I'm looking forward to the next legal thriller
This second book in the series has Vernetta dealing with several obstacles from both work & home. Although this case seemed simple, one slip caused all types of problems. Jefferson had also encountered a major problem that he hoped Vernetta didn't find. Special was once again the great friend, although some of her actions caused more trouble than help. Overall this was a good read & I'm looking forward to the next legal thriller
April 5, 2014
In the second installment for the series, employment attorney Vernetta Henderson is on-track for her partnership, but of course there is a new big-ticket case that needs to be resolved first. Meanwhile the marital strife continues as Jefferson copes with his "problem". When Vernetta doesn't settle a lawsuit and
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
This entire review and others can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
May 7, 2016
Another 5 star read!
I love Pamela Samuels Young's Vernetta Henderson's series. These books are such a fast read! I always end up laughing, screaming, covering my mouth and in this one, was well on the verge of crying. So exciting and I couldn't put this down. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. Hands down.
I love Pamela Samuels Young's Vernetta Henderson's series. These books are such a fast read! I always end up laughing, screaming, covering my mouth and in this one, was well on the verge of crying. So exciting and I couldn't put this down. I will definitely be reading the rest of this series. Hands down.
August 5, 2016
THRILLING mystery suspense...once again I was CAUGHT UP in the lives of attorney Vernetta, her husband Jefferson, and her CRAZY best friend/sister Special...Special is OFF THE CHAIN CERTIFIABLE...looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 19, 2016
This is just what I needed, a quick, easy read. Some of it was kind of predictable, but that's okay. I just wanted something to read that kept me interested and not wanting to put the book down. This one did it. I enjoy these types of books.
September 22, 2025
This was a great story! One of the oldest books on my shelf, but it was not too dated to enjoy. It was fast paced and kept me interested. I loved the characters. It was the second in a series, but I read it as a stand alone. It was the first book I have read by this author, but I will read the others in the series.
November 18, 2017
Another good one
December 16, 2025
I just love the balance of courtroom drama and the drama that takes place outside the courtroom!
These are some fascinating characters that will make you feel better about yourself!
These are some fascinating characters that will make you feel better about yourself!
September 30, 2019
Great legal thriller! Lots of mystery and action with a bit humor with Special involved. The side story with Jefferson was also very good! Will definitely continue onto #3!
August 21, 2018
I was extremely disappointed with this second instalment of the Vernetta Henderson series. A rushed and chaotic ending brought down my initial rating of this book from three stars to two, and I found myself skimming the last few chapters of this book just to finish it, rather than reading because I was invested in seeing how it ended — which is a shame.
There are several reasons that; I’m quite disappointed to say, prevented ‘In Firm Pursuit’ from being an enjoyable read. The first being the constant changes in perspective. I was dragged from Vernetta’s first person experiences, to sudden third person descriptions of events. This was fine when the perspective shifted to characters I was already familiar with, and to some extent invested in i.e. Jefferson, but really, who cares about some of the new characters introduced? Certainly not I, and certainly not in the place of Vernetta. We’ve already had a book (‘Every Reasonable Doubt’) where Vernetta’s first person perspective delivered a gripping and thrilling story, deviating from that layout did not in my opinion add to the story and, I would even go as far to say ruined it.
Another was the Jefferson storyline, which although interesting felt completely pointless and was way too easily resolved. Why create a character as potentially interesting as LaKeesha, have her put Jefferson’s usually unshakeable character into disarray only to have Special casually disappear the situation with no one ever the wiser? If anything the Jefferson sideshow took up valuable pages that could have been used to flesh out the main story. Perhaps if that had been the case, I would be writing rather a different review right now, but alas, here we are!
That segues nicely into the third reason the book was poor, the main storyline. What on Earth happened here? We had a potentially really interesting situation that presented all kinds of drama, with blackmail, hitmen, fraudulent government contracts, backstabbing colleagues, sleazy business men, easily corruptible cops and lets not forget a murder. What we got was some indication that the events of the book were part of a much larger and terrible picture, that was easily unravelled because Special decided to poke her nose in, and suddenly Vernetta decided to take the job of law enforcement in her own hands!
Lastly was the unnecessary and rather annoying involvement of Special in absolutely every aspect of Vernetta’s life. The fact Special; despite causing more problems than resolutions, and being a victim of rather serious crimes, manages to walk away without questioning her interfering ways was beyond annoying. Lets not forget that in the last book, we had the experienced methods of Detective Smith and Neddy uncovering the facts the situation, which felt more credible and allowed for a better exploration of the story. 'In Firm Pursuit' has Special who is clearly too nosy for her own good and is in no way a legal or law enforcement professional take on this role. We must also remember, Special still finds the time to meddle with Vernetta's personal life, in between stringing various men along and racking up her credit card bill. Her behaviour wasn't too different from that of Hayley's - who in the end learns to re-evaluate herself.
Of course some of Special's meddling resulted in short term benefits, but surely it's a matter of time before Vernetta discovers the full extent of her interfering ways? We saw in the book just how dangerous Special’s nosing around can become once it’s discovered. Was this a foreshadowing of how much more trouble than worth Special ultimately is as a friend? Can we trust Samuels to explore this, in light of how quickly Jefferson's storylines in this book and in the last were brushed under the carpet?
Ultimately, 'In Firm Pursuit' just wasn't for me. I throughly enjoyed ‘Every Reasonable Doubt’ which was the first book I’d read by Samuels, consequently, I hadn’t been able to wait to get my hands on ‘In Firm Pursuit’. However I believe my journey with Vernetta ends here. I will not be purchasing ‘Murder on the Downlow’.
There are several reasons that; I’m quite disappointed to say, prevented ‘In Firm Pursuit’ from being an enjoyable read. The first being the constant changes in perspective. I was dragged from Vernetta’s first person experiences, to sudden third person descriptions of events. This was fine when the perspective shifted to characters I was already familiar with, and to some extent invested in i.e. Jefferson, but really, who cares about some of the new characters introduced? Certainly not I, and certainly not in the place of Vernetta. We’ve already had a book (‘Every Reasonable Doubt’) where Vernetta’s first person perspective delivered a gripping and thrilling story, deviating from that layout did not in my opinion add to the story and, I would even go as far to say ruined it.
Another was the Jefferson storyline, which although interesting felt completely pointless and was way too easily resolved. Why create a character as potentially interesting as LaKeesha, have her put Jefferson’s usually unshakeable character into disarray only to have Special casually disappear the situation with no one ever the wiser? If anything the Jefferson sideshow took up valuable pages that could have been used to flesh out the main story. Perhaps if that had been the case, I would be writing rather a different review right now, but alas, here we are!
That segues nicely into the third reason the book was poor, the main storyline. What on Earth happened here? We had a potentially really interesting situation that presented all kinds of drama, with blackmail, hitmen, fraudulent government contracts, backstabbing colleagues, sleazy business men, easily corruptible cops and lets not forget a murder. What we got was some indication that the events of the book were part of a much larger and terrible picture, that was easily unravelled because Special decided to poke her nose in, and suddenly Vernetta decided to take the job of law enforcement in her own hands!
Lastly was the unnecessary and rather annoying involvement of Special in absolutely every aspect of Vernetta’s life. The fact Special; despite causing more problems than resolutions, and being a victim of rather serious crimes, manages to walk away without questioning her interfering ways was beyond annoying. Lets not forget that in the last book, we had the experienced methods of Detective Smith and Neddy uncovering the facts the situation, which felt more credible and allowed for a better exploration of the story. 'In Firm Pursuit' has Special who is clearly too nosy for her own good and is in no way a legal or law enforcement professional take on this role. We must also remember, Special still finds the time to meddle with Vernetta's personal life, in between stringing various men along and racking up her credit card bill. Her behaviour wasn't too different from that of Hayley's - who in the end learns to re-evaluate herself.
Of course some of Special's meddling resulted in short term benefits, but surely it's a matter of time before Vernetta discovers the full extent of her interfering ways? We saw in the book just how dangerous Special’s nosing around can become once it’s discovered. Was this a foreshadowing of how much more trouble than worth Special ultimately is as a friend? Can we trust Samuels to explore this, in light of how quickly Jefferson's storylines in this book and in the last were brushed under the carpet?
Ultimately, 'In Firm Pursuit' just wasn't for me. I throughly enjoyed ‘Every Reasonable Doubt’ which was the first book I’d read by Samuels, consequently, I hadn’t been able to wait to get my hands on ‘In Firm Pursuit’. However I believe my journey with Vernetta ends here. I will not be purchasing ‘Murder on the Downlow’.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2013
For attorney Vernetta Henderson, what starts off as a simple case of sexual harassment turns out to involve corporate greed, corruption and murder. A Rising star in her firm, Vernetta expects that winning the case could lead to her becoming its first African American partner but what she learns could actually put her life and those around her in danger!
This is a legal drama with many twists and turns as well as some well developed characters. One can empathise with Vernetta as she tries to negotiate the case that seems to be spinning out of control. The host of other characters we meet are just as memorial.
Overall "In Firm Pursuit" is a very good read and a well written story. I found myself hooked from the very start and would certainly recommend it!
This is a legal drama with many twists and turns as well as some well developed characters. One can empathise with Vernetta as she tries to negotiate the case that seems to be spinning out of control. The host of other characters we meet are just as memorial.
Overall "In Firm Pursuit" is a very good read and a well written story. I found myself hooked from the very start and would certainly recommend it!
December 23, 2014
This was one of the worst books I've read all year. One thing I didn't like was some of the chapters were in 1st person; straight from Vernetta's mouth. Other chapters didn't include her at all and were in 3rd person. I don't remember ever reading a book this well written that did that. I was extremely bored with the book. There were so many times I started to give up on the book but I kept reading only because I enjoyed the prequel. When I was 75% done with the book, I could no longer torture myself. I started skipping a bunch of pages on only started reading the parts where Special and Jefferson were involved. At about 92%, I gave up completely.
March 26, 2025
I Love Vernetta!!! She's such a complex character and the situations she gets tangled in are superbly plotted. With her trusted and deeply loved best friend Special (yes that's her name) by her side there is nothing Vernetta can't survive! Great dialogue enhances this multi-mystery, multi-layered story. This is a great series!
July 19, 2021
I love legal thrillers. Especially those written by Pamela. It kept me on the edge of my seat and her friend Special is the comic releive needed.
July 5, 2023
After reading "Firm Pursuit", I think Pamela Samuels - Young is an underrated author. This is the second book I have read by the author. Pamela Samuels- Young is an excellent storyteller. Although, many of the same characters were in the first book, "Every Reasonable Doubt" , the books are stand alone books. I would not have had to read the first book to become connected to the legal drama of the second book. The main characters are likeable, without being perfect and flat. The secondary storylines helps in getting to know the main characters better. The storyline is fast paced and includes plausible twists.
September 11, 2021
A must read
I love books and authors who can hold my attention, and this one can and does. I was reading another author and while waiting on book 8 of his series I stumbled onto the first book of this series and couldn’t put the book down. I immediately called my book club and sold the book to them, we are now ready for book three. I love the way the books hold my interest and keep you guessing how t will end only to quickly start the next book. Read for yourself and get hooked.
I love books and authors who can hold my attention, and this one can and does. I was reading another author and while waiting on book 8 of his series I stumbled onto the first book of this series and couldn’t put the book down. I immediately called my book club and sold the book to them, we are now ready for book three. I love the way the books hold my interest and keep you guessing how t will end only to quickly start the next book. Read for yourself and get hooked.
June 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book. Vernetta Henderson is a lawyer working for a large law firm and taking on a sexual harassment case that brings many problems along the way. I loved her character. She’s strong and about her business. Although this is a legal thriller, Special’s, Vernetta’s best friend, large personality made the book humorous as well. With many twists and turns the story was engaging and kept me turning the pages.
February 8, 2020
Legal and Mystery
A combination of mystery with a few legal aspects included is a recipe for a fast paced story.
The situation around the lead female characters really created enough to keep the reader's interest. The addition of the ex office worker's story was superfluous.
A good read that encouraged me to read more by this author.
keep the reader
A combination of mystery with a few legal aspects included is a recipe for a fast paced story.
The situation around the lead female characters really created enough to keep the reader's interest. The addition of the ex office worker's story was superfluous.
A good read that encouraged me to read more by this author.
keep the reader
November 10, 2017
In Firm Pursuit (Vernetta Henderson Series Book 2)
Dang good, 👍👍, excellent read. With mystery and thrills on every page. I must start enhancing my to-read list with more 📚 by this author.
Dang good, 👍👍, excellent read. With mystery and thrills on every page. I must start enhancing my to-read list with more 📚 by this author.
July 22, 2020
Very suspenseful
This was an interesting and thought provoking story. I was forced to consider options in situations that I never would have. How to prioritize moral dilemmas? How much to tell friends? Is a job worth all?
This was an interesting and thought provoking story. I was forced to consider options in situations that I never would have. How to prioritize moral dilemmas? How much to tell friends? Is a job worth all?
September 5, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
June 9, 2019
Everything you would want in a legal thriller!
August 12, 2019
A great storyline
A storyline that keeps you involved and wondering what happens next. Disappointed that the heroine does not meet her goal of becoming a partner.
A storyline that keeps you involved and wondering what happens next. Disappointed that the heroine does not meet her goal of becoming a partner.
August 7, 2022
Very Entertaining
I just finished reading the second book in a 5 book series. Looking forward to reading the others. Very Entertaining.
I just finished reading the second book in a 5 book series. Looking forward to reading the others. Very Entertaining.
July 11, 2023
3.5 stars
January 17, 2024
I enjoyed this second book in the series. The legal situations are interesting and the characters are well developed.
January 12, 2025
Absolutely invested in this series…
Special is a one woman comedy act. She had me lol while at work, an absolute mess! I’m ready for book three.
Special is a one woman comedy act. She had me lol while at work, an absolute mess! I’m ready for book three.
May 6, 2014
Vernetta Henderson had set her sights on partnership in an esteemed law firm long ago – before she even went to law school. O’Reilly & Finney just may be that law firm. But now partnership may escape her grasp once again. This was only a sexual harassment suit within Micronics – it should have been easy-peasy for Vernetta, especially since opposing counsel was so ill equipped to handle the case. But it’s been anything but easy. Is it only sexual harassment, or is there something much more sinister going on?
The woman who filed the harassment suit has died, or has she been killed? All of a sudden, there are a lot of documents uncovered that had not been in her grasp before she went to the preliminaries, and there are other documents that are now disappearing. The more Vernetta tries to get a handle on this case, the more things unravel.
Vernetta’s marriage with Jefferson is once again in trouble as he has been working long and hard hours on a construction site away from home. Then someone destroys her friend, Special’s, apartment looking for something, but what could they possibly be looking for in Special’s home?
This is the third legal thriller I’ve read by Pamela Samuels-Young. It is the second in the Vernetta Henderson series followed by Every Reasonable Doubt. The friendship between Vernetta and Special are both entertaining and heart-warming. I do, however, feel that the story line of Vernetta’s and Jefferson’s relationship issues was somewhat mirrored to the last book and served only as a distraction from the case in this book. In addition, the ‘mystery’, if you will, was told to the reader through the flashback of one of the guilty party rather than by pure investigative skills. I rated this 3.5 out of 5.
The woman who filed the harassment suit has died, or has she been killed? All of a sudden, there are a lot of documents uncovered that had not been in her grasp before she went to the preliminaries, and there are other documents that are now disappearing. The more Vernetta tries to get a handle on this case, the more things unravel.
Vernetta’s marriage with Jefferson is once again in trouble as he has been working long and hard hours on a construction site away from home. Then someone destroys her friend, Special’s, apartment looking for something, but what could they possibly be looking for in Special’s home?
This is the third legal thriller I’ve read by Pamela Samuels-Young. It is the second in the Vernetta Henderson series followed by Every Reasonable Doubt. The friendship between Vernetta and Special are both entertaining and heart-warming. I do, however, feel that the story line of Vernetta’s and Jefferson’s relationship issues was somewhat mirrored to the last book and served only as a distraction from the case in this book. In addition, the ‘mystery’, if you will, was told to the reader through the flashback of one of the guilty party rather than by pure investigative skills. I rated this 3.5 out of 5.
May 21, 2014
Well, alright now! Vernetta had some gangsta stuff happening to her in this novel. The soon to be first African-American Partner of her firm has been assigned to a sexual harassment case for a corporate conglomerate, Micronics. What should have been a pretty cut and dry case, Vernetta decided to cinch her partner spot by not accepting a very low settlement offer to prove she has the chops to handle this kind of work. After all, she had worked on the biggest trial of her career a year ago, and she thought she had this case in the bag.
Welp, nothing ever comes that easy, now does it? When a very pretty Karen Carruthers ends up over the side of a cliff dead, that was the game changer for this case. Vernetta's best friend, Special, had a lot of involvement in this matter than she normally would, and Jefferson, Vernetta's husband, has his first big contract with his partner out in San Diego, making time with her husband almost non-existent. But, Vernetta supports her man and understands seeing as how she works long hours being the attorney that she is.
There are some very important documents that Special ends up getting a hold of and the story turns, literally, upside down--leaving some characters with bumps and bruises, a few stab wounds and in a coma. This is really different than the first Henderson series and is so exciting, you will not want to put this book down. Outstanding!
Welp, nothing ever comes that easy, now does it? When a very pretty Karen Carruthers ends up over the side of a cliff dead, that was the game changer for this case. Vernetta's best friend, Special, had a lot of involvement in this matter than she normally would, and Jefferson, Vernetta's husband, has his first big contract with his partner out in San Diego, making time with her husband almost non-existent. But, Vernetta supports her man and understands seeing as how she works long hours being the attorney that she is.
There are some very important documents that Special ends up getting a hold of and the story turns, literally, upside down--leaving some characters with bumps and bruises, a few stab wounds and in a coma. This is really different than the first Henderson series and is so exciting, you will not want to put this book down. Outstanding!
July 12, 2009
Discovery
In this not quite a sequel but more of a continuation to "Every Reasonable Doubt," author Pamela Samuels-Young returns with lawyer Vernetta Henderson.
After a recent large success in the courtroom, Vernetta is on the fast track to a coveted partnership with O'Reilly and Finney, the first for an African American attorney. The only possible impediment is her current case. At first, the case appeared to be a slam dunk, but Vernetta quickly learns things are not as they seem and that someone will stop at nothing to get their way, up to and including murder.
Samuels-Young again engages readers with the happenings of her heroine. IN FIRM PURSUIT convincingly establishes Vernetta as hardworking and determined yet sensitive and relatable. Samuels-Young delivers a suspense laden, well-paced story of murder, deceit and deadly ambitions. From its tense opening to the very last page, IN FIRM PURSUIT will entertain readers. Highly enjoyable. I recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
Reviewed by: Toni
In this not quite a sequel but more of a continuation to "Every Reasonable Doubt," author Pamela Samuels-Young returns with lawyer Vernetta Henderson.
After a recent large success in the courtroom, Vernetta is on the fast track to a coveted partnership with O'Reilly and Finney, the first for an African American attorney. The only possible impediment is her current case. At first, the case appeared to be a slam dunk, but Vernetta quickly learns things are not as they seem and that someone will stop at nothing to get their way, up to and including murder.
Samuels-Young again engages readers with the happenings of her heroine. IN FIRM PURSUIT convincingly establishes Vernetta as hardworking and determined yet sensitive and relatable. Samuels-Young delivers a suspense laden, well-paced story of murder, deceit and deadly ambitions. From its tense opening to the very last page, IN FIRM PURSUIT will entertain readers. Highly enjoyable. I recommend to anyone looking for a good read.
Reviewed by: Toni
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews