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Thaddeus Murfee Legal Thrillers #12
La Jolla Law
A California beach town, a murder at a Presidential reception, a detective who finds herself in hot water for sexual harassment...
Add to the mix a gifted boy band traveling cross-country and a tech billionaire who functions on cocaine with a plastic wife who refuses to return home from Paris where her lover does hair for Vogue. Now you have the opening chapters of La Jolla Law, the new series featuring attorney Thaddeus Murfee.
The Maseratis pull over when the President of the United States comes to town to kickoff his reelection campaign. Unfortunately, he has chosen the home of the tech billionaire to spend the night. Suddenly, that night erupts with police streaming through the doors. There, on the golden shoreline, a true American tragedy hits CNN at daybreak. Thaddeus is called into the rock-and-roll world of the beach dwellers when a gifted loner is accused of the crime.
Thaddeus arrives in Southern California thinking he's already seen everything in his fifteen years of law practice.
Add to the mix a gifted boy band traveling cross-country and a tech billionaire who functions on cocaine with a plastic wife who refuses to return home from Paris where her lover does hair for Vogue. Now you have the opening chapters of La Jolla Law, the new series featuring attorney Thaddeus Murfee.
The Maseratis pull over when the President of the United States comes to town to kickoff his reelection campaign. Unfortunately, he has chosen the home of the tech billionaire to spend the night. Suddenly, that night erupts with police streaming through the doors. There, on the golden shoreline, a true American tragedy hits CNN at daybreak. Thaddeus is called into the rock-and-roll world of the beach dwellers when a gifted loner is accused of the crime.
Thaddeus arrives in Southern California thinking he's already seen everything in his fifteen years of law practice.
- GenresLegal ThrillerCrimeLegal
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2019
2536 people are currently reading
113 people want to read
About the author
John Ellsworth
150 books516 followersFormerly a trial lawyer for 30 years, John Ellsworth is now a full-time writer of thrillers and historical fiction, with over millions of copies sold. He holds titles such as USA Today bestseller, an Amazon Bestseller and Featured Author, as well as a Kindle All-Star.
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
Official Website: www.ellsworthbooks.com
Official Twitter: @jellsworthbooks
Official Instagram: @johnellsworth_author
Official Facebook: facebook.com/johnellsworthauthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 22, 2019
I thought that the Thaddeus Murfee series books couldn't get any better...WRONG! I don't know how John Ellsworth comes up with these stories, but please don't stop!!! This one is a real kick in the butt!!! Love it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 31, 2019
Another Thad Murfee book that leaves many questions to answer - hopefully in the next novel. After agreeing to speak with a client in La Jolla about a divorce, Thad takes on additional cases, becomes a prosecutor, and gets back into the business of law. There are many twists and turns. The beginning chapters set up for the trials and conclusion. Can’t wait to read the next one!
August 15, 2019
A new book by John Ellsworth is always worth celebrating. So today when I received the ARC copy of the thirteenth book in the Thaddeus Murfee series I couldn’t wait to start reading it.
Thaddeus receives a call from an old law school friend, Jesse Matina corporate counsel to entrepreneur billionaire Reggie Pelham. Matina cannot represent Pelham in a case brought by Pelham’s wife and needs a lawyer from outside California to do so.
Thaddeus meets with Pelham and agrees to represent him in the lawsuit.
Meantime, we meet Safari Frye a detective with the San Diego Police Department. Safari has a sexual harassment claim against her lodged by another detective and now faces a disciplinary hearing. Several other things are happening around Safari at this time. She is Big Sister to Carrie who has been abused by her mother’s live-in boyfriend and looks to Safari for help. Carrie confronts the mother and then shortly thereafter, finds the mother has been murdered.
There are several other murders happening around this time and as usual, Ellsworth juggles all the balls in the air – murder, mayhem, a little girl looking for a safe haven, and are all the murders related? And of course, there’s lots of courtroom drama as Thaddeus not only defends Pelham in his case but acts as Prosecutor in another.
You will have to get a copy of the book once it is published to read how cleverly this story is told. In true Ellsworth fashion, all the characters are well fleshed out and believable; the story runs along at a fast pace, and the ending is satisfactory.
I recommend this book as a thoroughly good read.
Thaddeus receives a call from an old law school friend, Jesse Matina corporate counsel to entrepreneur billionaire Reggie Pelham. Matina cannot represent Pelham in a case brought by Pelham’s wife and needs a lawyer from outside California to do so.
Thaddeus meets with Pelham and agrees to represent him in the lawsuit.
Meantime, we meet Safari Frye a detective with the San Diego Police Department. Safari has a sexual harassment claim against her lodged by another detective and now faces a disciplinary hearing. Several other things are happening around Safari at this time. She is Big Sister to Carrie who has been abused by her mother’s live-in boyfriend and looks to Safari for help. Carrie confronts the mother and then shortly thereafter, finds the mother has been murdered.
There are several other murders happening around this time and as usual, Ellsworth juggles all the balls in the air – murder, mayhem, a little girl looking for a safe haven, and are all the murders related? And of course, there’s lots of courtroom drama as Thaddeus not only defends Pelham in his case but acts as Prosecutor in another.
You will have to get a copy of the book once it is published to read how cleverly this story is told. In true Ellsworth fashion, all the characters are well fleshed out and believable; the story runs along at a fast pace, and the ending is satisfactory.
I recommend this book as a thoroughly good read.
October 1, 2019
This book was written exceptionally well. It kept the readers attention completely throughout the book. There seems to be a serial killer loose, as well as the murder of a woman, Maryjane, who was completely tanked on alcohol and drugs. Additionally, there were at least two other women, who were sexually assaulted, mutilated, and left to bleed out. Det Safari Frye is working with her team to find out who the serial killer is. To complicate matters, the man who killed Maryjane is out on bail. Det Frye is also a foster parent. Due to Maryjane being killed, Det Frye has been awarded temporary custody of her a daughter, Carrie. Det Frye and Thaddeus has just completed an admin hearing of Det Frye being accused of sexual harassment for calling a subordinate a sexual name. When she came out of the city building, the man accused of killing Maryjane, Kenny Chesly, pulled a gun out of his trunk, and shot her. The bullet severed her spinal cord and left her completely paralyzed from the waist down. What will await Det Frye now? Chesly was immediately arrested and awaiting trial. Because Thaddeus had such a great reputation, he was literally working on three cases in Lajolla, almost at the same time. The plot had multiple themes, which worked very nicely off of each other. What was the motive for Chesly killing his girlfriend? Who is the actual serial killer? Will they be able to find him and actually apprehend him, before he kills someone else? I enjoyed the courtroom drama, as well as the various characters in this book. Everything was in sync and worked so well together. So what’s next for Thaddeus and his family? Will Lajolla be their next home? I can’t wait for the next book.
September 15, 2019
Man, I probably shouldn't even review this one, except that I feel I need to warn others with "sensitive ears". I love John Ellsworth, and I just may love Thaddeus Murfee even more. But I kept thinking that Thaddeus would be in disapproval of the horrible, untenable language throughout the whole book. If it had been any other author (or subject), I wouldn't even have read the first quarter of it. And, while I was in awe of Mr. Ellsworth's (and Thaddeus's) vast financial knowledge, it did become a little tedious to read about. Probably wouldn't to someone who knows more about it.
John Ellsworth wrote one other book with offensive language like this (maybe the first Michael Gresham?), and I thought he said somewhere that he wouldn't do it again. So, since then, I have felt "safe" in reading him. I'm not a Puritan, a few spicy words here and there can make a point, but, c'mon... the "f word" over & over & over & over? Oh, and also, I'm still confused by the ending. Was it a cliff hanger, or am I just dense?
John Ellsworth wrote one other book with offensive language like this (maybe the first Michael Gresham?), and I thought he said somewhere that he wouldn't do it again. So, since then, I have felt "safe" in reading him. I'm not a Puritan, a few spicy words here and there can make a point, but, c'mon... the "f word" over & over & over & over? Oh, and also, I'm still confused by the ending. Was it a cliff hanger, or am I just dense?
August 28, 2024
I love this book, different scenes and scenarios highly recommend
I can say this’s one traveling lawyer and family. I’m glad Thaddeus decided to stay with lawyering. I love his tactics and strategies in the courtroom. And Turquoise being with him is a super plus. I love this father and daughter duo. I’m happy to see them moving to California. Thaddeus was too familiar in Flagstaff, reminds you of Mayberry. This story was a good thriller but I need answers. I knew who the perp was but why. Was there a connection between the victims or was these just random killings? Why didn’t Butchy remember the shooting or was he pretending? I liked the new characters, Safari, Reggie and LJ Atwater. Atwater was a good lawyer and challenge for Thaddeus. I felt bad for Safari but I’m glad she has Thaddeus as a friend. Same with Reggie. Thaddeus is a friend we all want in our lives. Max is a trooper.
I can say this’s one traveling lawyer and family. I’m glad Thaddeus decided to stay with lawyering. I love his tactics and strategies in the courtroom. And Turquoise being with him is a super plus. I love this father and daughter duo. I’m happy to see them moving to California. Thaddeus was too familiar in Flagstaff, reminds you of Mayberry. This story was a good thriller but I need answers. I knew who the perp was but why. Was there a connection between the victims or was these just random killings? Why didn’t Butchy remember the shooting or was he pretending? I liked the new characters, Safari, Reggie and LJ Atwater. Atwater was a good lawyer and challenge for Thaddeus. I felt bad for Safari but I’m glad she has Thaddeus as a friend. Same with Reggie. Thaddeus is a friend we all want in our lives. Max is a trooper.
August 26, 2019
I received this book as an ARC, with the only requirement being to write an honest review.
This latest entry in the Thaddeus Murfee saga is very entertaining. There are several storylines here, as usual, but the author ties everything together. There's a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I don't want to give you any spoilers, but there are a few things different here.
It will be interesting to see what happens in his next book.
I enjoy this author a lot because even though there's a regular cast of characters, the books can be read as stand alone novels.
This time finds our hero Thaddeus in sunny CA, where he's been called on to help a software millionaire with a messy divorce. While at a party, a murder takes place, and soon, our hero is deeply involved in that case too.
With an interesting cast of characters, this book is a wild romp. Don't miss it!
This latest entry in the Thaddeus Murfee saga is very entertaining. There are several storylines here, as usual, but the author ties everything together. There's a bit of a cliffhanger ending. I don't want to give you any spoilers, but there are a few things different here.
It will be interesting to see what happens in his next book.
I enjoy this author a lot because even though there's a regular cast of characters, the books can be read as stand alone novels.
This time finds our hero Thaddeus in sunny CA, where he's been called on to help a software millionaire with a messy divorce. While at a party, a murder takes place, and soon, our hero is deeply involved in that case too.
With an interesting cast of characters, this book is a wild romp. Don't miss it!
October 1, 2019
Just finished #13!
Loved the excellent divers characters. Fast paced plot development and good bad guys and great good guys. I am a fan of the legal genre and now a fan of Mr. Ellsworth. With that said there are some confusing transitions from setting to setting....at least I got confused, but as the story continued I figured it out. Finally. an occasional grammatical lapse bothered this retired teacher, but nothing bothered me enough to stop my reading all 13 books in 10 days! The stories are interesting and relevant, the characters and settings are diverse and fascinating, and the novels have just enough outlandish fictional events to make each a fun read. Greatly recommend for legal genre and mystery fans. A good, fun. series.
Loved the excellent divers characters. Fast paced plot development and good bad guys and great good guys. I am a fan of the legal genre and now a fan of Mr. Ellsworth. With that said there are some confusing transitions from setting to setting....at least I got confused, but as the story continued I figured it out. Finally. an occasional grammatical lapse bothered this retired teacher, but nothing bothered me enough to stop my reading all 13 books in 10 days! The stories are interesting and relevant, the characters and settings are diverse and fascinating, and the novels have just enough outlandish fictional events to make each a fun read. Greatly recommend for legal genre and mystery fans. A good, fun. series.
August 21, 2019
In this Book 13 of the series, Thaddeus Murfee is a brilliant lawyer from all sides of the aisle...
He's been called to sunny San Diego to defend a young boy-band heartthrob, nephew of the rich and famous. Quickly Thaddeus finds himself a defender, a prosecutor, and an administrative tribunal consul. All in the State of California where he's not a licensed lawyer. You'll learn the inner workings of the courts, the President's interest in the band, a serial killer and drug use. Hang on for the continuation of this red-hot series that includes Thaddeus' daughter, a razor-sharp investigator!
He's been called to sunny San Diego to defend a young boy-band heartthrob, nephew of the rich and famous. Quickly Thaddeus finds himself a defender, a prosecutor, and an administrative tribunal consul. All in the State of California where he's not a licensed lawyer. You'll learn the inner workings of the courts, the President's interest in the band, a serial killer and drug use. Hang on for the continuation of this red-hot series that includes Thaddeus' daughter, a razor-sharp investigator!
October 7, 2019
Not my favorite of series
Having read the whole Thad series, I must say this book was disappointing. After a prolonged introduction to the cast of characters, Thad rides in to save the day. Much of the plot was predictable. I felt as if I’d seen it all before. Thad almost seems like a minor character- the hero on the white horse who makes everyone’s lives better. All too neatly wrapped up except for the last few pages which predict what comes next. Sorry John. You can do better.
Having read the whole Thad series, I must say this book was disappointing. After a prolonged introduction to the cast of characters, Thad rides in to save the day. Much of the plot was predictable. I felt as if I’d seen it all before. Thad almost seems like a minor character- the hero on the white horse who makes everyone’s lives better. All too neatly wrapped up except for the last few pages which predict what comes next. Sorry John. You can do better.
February 27, 2020
Pure Ellsworth! And THAT'S ALL YOU NEED!
Thaddeus is back, and you gotta love him. He's just good people! He's rich as can be and lives his life - and his law practice - as he sees fit and always in creative, powerful ways.
Ellsworth, as usual, gives us a solid story with a beloved hero. Then he populates the novel with other characters we love. So, here's a vote for a Safari series. Turquoise Murfee returns in this story and reminds us we need more of her.
Ellsworth is my favorite. Reading his books always lets me dive into an escape. That's why fiction exists.
Thaddeus is back, and you gotta love him. He's just good people! He's rich as can be and lives his life - and his law practice - as he sees fit and always in creative, powerful ways.
Ellsworth, as usual, gives us a solid story with a beloved hero. Then he populates the novel with other characters we love. So, here's a vote for a Safari series. Turquoise Murfee returns in this story and reminds us we need more of her.
Ellsworth is my favorite. Reading his books always lets me dive into an escape. That's why fiction exists.
September 11, 2023
Pulled heartstrings and tears...in a murder mystery?
You never know when you open a book where its going to take you. This one takes you to a lot of places. You get to see a little bit of cop life. You get to learn a little about detectives lives, both professionally and personally. You get to see Thaddeus work several cases and move in several directions. I find it all absolutely fascinating. I'm good living vicariously through Thaddeus Murfee. I'm going to keep doing it as long as I can.
You never know when you open a book where its going to take you. This one takes you to a lot of places. You get to see a little bit of cop life. You get to learn a little about detectives lives, both professionally and personally. You get to see Thaddeus work several cases and move in several directions. I find it all absolutely fascinating. I'm good living vicariously through Thaddeus Murfee. I'm going to keep doing it as long as I can.
August 18, 2019
Justice Served
This book was the best Thaddeus Murfee yet. It was constant edge of your seat excitement and surprising twists and turns with a bonechilling ending. One can always Rest assured that fairness and goodness will prevail. I love the family, Chris, Turquoise and the others and hope to see more of them in the following thrillers. Don't miss reading all of these 12 books and the two about Christine.
This book was the best Thaddeus Murfee yet. It was constant edge of your seat excitement and surprising twists and turns with a bonechilling ending. One can always Rest assured that fairness and goodness will prevail. I love the family, Chris, Turquoise and the others and hope to see more of them in the following thrillers. Don't miss reading all of these 12 books and the two about Christine.
September 4, 2019
Another great story. I finished in a day and a half. I always look forward to John's books. As being self published I was happy to see the spelling errors disappear. But instead found what I think was much worse. In chapter 22, page 3 on my kindle, you will find that Rita's attacker put a tourniquet on her left arm but he cut on her right. I would be happy to be a proofreader or on the read before releasing list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2020
Another good one
But definitely a different start. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book where the first time the main character is mentioned is on Page 59. Those 59 pages were all used to introduce you to the victims and the other main characters that make up the multiple plots that are on-going. Again, I have to recommend not only this book but also the rest of the series.
But definitely a different start. I don’t think I’ve ever read another book where the first time the main character is mentioned is on Page 59. Those 59 pages were all used to introduce you to the victims and the other main characters that make up the multiple plots that are on-going. Again, I have to recommend not only this book but also the rest of the series.
August 20, 2019
Who just broke the law?
Another terrific book from Author John Ellsworth, such a wonder writer and has so much to be proud of. Another great who done it with a great twist at the end love spending time readings books as they never disappoint. Highly recommend this as just when you think you have the answers the twist comes in.
Another terrific book from Author John Ellsworth, such a wonder writer and has so much to be proud of. Another great who done it with a great twist at the end love spending time readings books as they never disappoint. Highly recommend this as just when you think you have the answers the twist comes in.
September 5, 2019
Welcome to SoCal Mr Murfee
I liked the Western / Southwestern setting for the previous Thaddeus stories, but, as a former Sailor / Surfer, I'm very familiar with San Diego, La Jolla, and environs, which always increases my enjoyment. Not that John Ellsworth's work needs any enhancements.
I liked the Western / Southwestern setting for the previous Thaddeus stories, but, as a former Sailor / Surfer, I'm very familiar with San Diego, La Jolla, and environs, which always increases my enjoyment. Not that John Ellsworth's work needs any enhancements.
January 8, 2020
Gripped me at 25% in...
I would’ve given it 5 stars if it had gripped me close to the beginning. After that point of being gripped, I couldn’t put it down as it were. It has great characters, a very intriguing plot, believable and interesting courtroom scenes and a totally unforeseen ending. I highly recommend to lovers of legal thrillers.
I would’ve given it 5 stars if it had gripped me close to the beginning. After that point of being gripped, I couldn’t put it down as it were. It has great characters, a very intriguing plot, believable and interesting courtroom scenes and a totally unforeseen ending. I highly recommend to lovers of legal thrillers.
January 19, 2020
I thought this book started out as a good one, but the more I got into it, the less interested I became. The plot jumped around a lot and Thaddeus is becoming too predictable. Wins at trial all the time, has the perfect answers to all challenging questions, his daughter Turquoise is the perfect investigator always...I liked Thaddeus better when he was a little more of a badass.
September 25, 2021
Good one
Ellsworth does a terrific job of telling a story. The characters are so well described and most very likeable. But the bad guys are described just as well. Never sure which is which until they start something. I like how Ellsworth ends by giving me something to look forward to.
Ellsworth does a terrific job of telling a story. The characters are so well described and most very likeable. But the bad guys are described just as well. Never sure which is which until they start something. I like how Ellsworth ends by giving me something to look forward to.
August 17, 2019
Thaddeus Murfee is a lawyer who can tackle criminal, and civil cases. And he is definitely multi-tasking in this book. I really enjoyed how the author wrote a tightly woven plot, while his main character juggled all his cases without dropping any. It sure held my attention. The webs we weave...
August 19, 2019
ANOTHER SLAM DUNK
I sometimes skip read. This novel I read every word. The twists and turns will make you anxious to read the next surprise in the plot. The ending was a barn burner. Loved the plot and the characters. A must read.
I sometimes skip read. This novel I read every word. The twists and turns will make you anxious to read the next surprise in the plot. The ending was a barn burner. Loved the plot and the characters. A must read.
August 24, 2019
Another homerun!
Through all of the twists and turns, John Ellsworth guides us right to the surprise ending. No loose ends. All threads tied up in one neat package. Thank you, Mr. Ellsworth, for an exciting tale!
Through all of the twists and turns, John Ellsworth guides us right to the surprise ending. No loose ends. All threads tied up in one neat package. Thank you, Mr. Ellsworth, for an exciting tale!
September 2, 2019
Excellent legal thriller
The book starts of a little slow, but the author ramps up the intrigue and legal maneuvering to make for a fast paced, very readable novel. Highly recommend
The book starts of a little slow, but the author ramps up the intrigue and legal maneuvering to make for a fast paced, very readable novel. Highly recommend
September 4, 2019
Another winner
I wait anxiously for each new Ellsworth book to come out. I enjoy the multiple plots and the repeating characters. I always enjoyed the Gresham series and hope a new book will come in that series.
I wait anxiously for each new Ellsworth book to come out. I enjoy the multiple plots and the repeating characters. I always enjoyed the Gresham series and hope a new book will come in that series.
September 4, 2019
Ellsworth and Murfee at their best.
Author Ellsworth has come a long way since Murfee book 1. His latest kept my attention and was written in a concise manner. Can’t wait for the next Murfee adventure. Readers who like crime fiction should give the series a try.
Author Ellsworth has come a long way since Murfee book 1. His latest kept my attention and was written in a concise manner. Can’t wait for the next Murfee adventure. Readers who like crime fiction should give the series a try.
September 7, 2019
The thrills continue!
I thoroughly enjoyed the new setting and characters. There seemed to be a surprise at Evey turn...right up to the last chapter. Thanks for continuing to interest me in ways that make me want more, Mr. Ellsworth!
I thoroughly enjoyed the new setting and characters. There seemed to be a surprise at Evey turn...right up to the last chapter. Thanks for continuing to interest me in ways that make me want more, Mr. Ellsworth!
September 22, 2019
Good, but not the best.
SPOILER ALERT! Something was lacking with book 12. Maybe the series has just gone on too long. And what was with the end? Did the drummer go over the edge or not? I had to re-read it a few times and still didn't know for sure.
SPOILER ALERT! Something was lacking with book 12. Maybe the series has just gone on too long. And what was with the end? Did the drummer go over the edge or not? I had to re-read it a few times and still didn't know for sure.
October 2, 2019
1st Thaddeus read
This was my 1st Thaddeus Mufee read and now plan to read another. Spent a lot of work time in La Jolla, so the locations in the book were easy to visualize. Quick read. Would recommend.
This was my 1st Thaddeus Mufee read and now plan to read another. Spent a lot of work time in La Jolla, so the locations in the book were easy to visualize. Quick read. Would recommend.
October 2, 2019
Am just trying to read the book. I have it on kindle but is asking me to review before reading
Please let me read the book before reviewing This is very frustrating and I have never had this experience before when using kindle. Am assuming higher rating of can read the book
Please let me read the book before reviewing This is very frustrating and I have never had this experience before when using kindle. Am assuming higher rating of can read the book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews