Blood Evidence

Cass Leary Legal Thriller #5

by Robin James

She’s tough as nails when defending criminals. Can a simple test destroy her resolve?

Defense lawyer Cass Leary believes wholeheartedly in justice for all. So when her deadbeat dad suddenly reappears begging for help, she throws her better judgment out the window. But Cass’s family drama takes a back seat when a new client’s desperate search for her birth parents flips from happy to horrifying.

The adoption investigation hits a dead end, so Cass gives her client a simple at-home DNA kit. However, before she can act on the findings, the attorney’s father gets arrested for a scandalous crime. And as Cass finally follows the trail from the ancestry test, she uncovers a gruesome family tree watered with decades of blood.

Can Cass bring to light the shocking truth of two twisted cases?

Blood Evidence is the fifth book in the hard-hitting Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series. If you like dark crimes, determined lawyers, and gripping suspense, then you’ll love Robin James’s edge-of-your-seat novel.

Buy Blood Evidence to reveal hidden skeletons today!

Genres: Legal Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Legal, Crime, Thriller, Suspense

300 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2019

About the author

Robin James is an attorney and former law professor. She's worked on a wide range of civil, criminal and family law cases in her twenty-year legal career. She also spent over a decade as supervising attorney for a Michigan legal clinic assisting thousands of people who could not otherwise afford access to justice.

Robin now lives on a lake in southern Michigan with her husband, two children, and one lazy dog. Her favorite, pure Michigan writing spot is stretched out on the back of a pontoon watching the faster boats go by.

Join Robin James's Legal Thriller Newsletter to get updates on her latest releases and author news. http://robinjamesbooks.com/newsletter

Reviews

[➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: ➳ Blood Evidence
Series ➳Cass Leary Legal Thriller 5#
Author: ➳ Robin James
Publication: ➳ November 7, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


ღ If you’ve been reading Robin James Legal Thriller series about Cass Leary then you’ll really appreciate this new book one in the series. If you haven’t yet begun this buzzworthy series of courtroom dramas, then Robin James has provided a new & perfect place to begin.
I love a good organized crime tale... in my eyes this one hit the mark or should I say 🔨 it

Cass Leary has had seriously had so many mountains to climb over the years, but it seems like she has climbed the rough’s mountain in the last two years. Her patience, sanity, career & most of all her safely will be put to the test in this installment

Cass Leary might not be the oldest of the Leary children’s, but she seems be the only one truly hold the Leary family together, by a thin piece of fiber. in this installment, we will see how good Cass trial lawyer skill really are!

Less than ideal childhoods Cass has mix feeling about her newest client…. Wouldn’t you? it’s Cass’s oh so lovely father (Joseph Patrick Leary. Sr)

We Will see if Cass can hold her family together & also see if everyone is still stand after the court fight of her father’s life
You got to love small-town vibe & most of all their gossip

Cass take on another case in this installment that seem just as dark as her father’s case… I love all the twist & turn Robin James, put in her books…

Oh, how you’ll love the back stories on Matty & Vangie ,

Robin James seems to l leave me wanting more of her amazing tales

➳The books in this series can be read as stand-alone books, but I suggest reading in order

1. Burden of Truth
2. Silent Witness
3. Devil's Bargain
4. Stolen Justice
5- Blood Evidence

➦📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion & my honest review 💕


➦ 💕 I received an EXCLUSIVE copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .**This has not influenced my review.* **


💕 ✎Paulette Review ❤💕

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING🤩

I absolutely love Cass Leary and all her legal adventures that she gets to take part in❣️This one is a little more complicated because her old man comes back to town and they haven’t seen him since her mom passed away and her and her brother, Joe, were left looking after Matty and Vangie. But of course wherever he goes, trouble often follows on his heels and this time it might take down more than their family😢 Simultaneously, Cass and Jeanie are helping a woman try to find her biological parents❣️The twists and turns and walls they come up against feel as though they are almost insurmountable, but Cass is not a quitter😍

Thank you to Robin for my advanced copy for which I leave my honest review and can say with one hundred percent certainty that these stories are on a par if not better than John Grisham and I’m super excited to read Mara’s story when it becomes available❤️

[ronnie h hoover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Weary of dysfunctional family

First, I have enjoyed the series, but would like to see a change of scenery. Maybe Chicago sans family. Also lacks gender balance with only one strong male character. With that said, James has captured the soul of an addictive, dysfunctional family. The story could easily be set in my native south with Cass sitting on the front porch of her new double-side feet kicked up, barefooted to keep the flies off her iced tea. I'm looking forward to book 6.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This author blows me away. Every time I've started her last 2-3 books, I feel like they're not going to be as good as her last one I'd just read. But each time, she proves me wrong. Another great read! Loved the way this book ended. Can't wait to see what Cass gets involved in next with book 6.

[Kenny Kemper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the Cass Leary series. This one hit a little different. 2 separate cases being worked as you read the book. As the ride continues you experience family drama, sibling going to rehab, absent father on trial for murder. Cass does what she does best and navigates the twists and turns dealing with her fathers that left them when they were young while also helping another client find biological parents. #CassLeary #RobinJames

[Eddie Tucker · Rating 1 out of 5]

See my review of #4 and you'll begin to see why I have given up on Ms. James's Cass Leary novels. This one did it. Told you I was getting very annoyed with the Leary family dynamics. Add to that the fact that "tough defence attorney" Cass is a weak pushover when it comes to her family, and comes now; the longtime absentee drunken Dad (here accused of murder). She folds to his manipulations early on and (again!) takes care of her drunken brother. Well, that does it it. Cass is spineless, ultimately. And, seriously, no longer believable as a tough attorney. Goodbye, Cass Leary.

[Sunny Willow · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars (rounded up)

The first half or more of this book had me pissed off. I was sick of seeing Cass take responsibility for her dysfunctional family, especially her drunk idiot brother, Matty. I really hope the rest of the series has less to do with her family and more to do with just regular legal cases.

The thing that saved this for me was the introduction to Mara Brent. I'd already read that series and knew the case involved from the first book of that series, where Mara goes after the serial rapist introduced in this story.

[Nolan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The cops said the librarian bled to death on the floor of a hotel room. Yet there was no evidence that someone drug the bloodless body out of the room or transported it in any way. They arrested Joe Leary, Sr. for the crime. He’s a bellicose drunk who’s seen the inside of a jail cell more often than you can imagine. But he swears he never killed the woman, and there’s no direct evidence that he’s been anywhere near the hotel room on the morning they found all that blood.

His lawyer daughter, Cass, who essentially despises the guy, reluctantly takes the case.

Cass is simultaneously working another mystery. A young pregnant woman asks Cass to find her birth mother. They start by spitting into a tube and mailing it to one of those ubiquitous ancestor reveal companies. Before the book ends, this case will endanger Cass’s life.

I’m going to generously give this three stars, but it flirted dangerously close to two. I figured out the solution to the birth mother case long before the author revealed it, and I frankly felt cheated and frustrated as a result. If I’m going to get only three hours of sleep in a night, at least let me do it while reading a book whose outcome I can’t predict.

The audio edition of this was off-putting as well. The narrator popped more p’s than a pea-picking greenhouse. Let’s at least get the woman a microphone that doesn’t sound like a $10 Zoom call special from Best Buy or Micro Center.

[Billy Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard not to draw parallels between the Cass Leary series and Michael Stagg's Nate Shepherd series. Both are small town defense lawyers that typically defend people I would lose patience with. They also cross paths with their families often, but this is where the similarities end. Shepherd's family is way too nice. Leary's family is rotten.

Having said that, I find both series delve way too much in their characters' families and it draws away from the main story too much. I realize it's a way to allow us to get to know the main character, but I'm fine with just hearing them interact with other lawyers, cops, their office staff, etc... instead of all the family yammering.

Regardless, this one, like most of the other Leary books, has to do with her resolving her family's legal issues. This is yet another thing I'm getting a bit tired of. I'd love her to try actual non-family cases so we get some other stories involved.

Aside from the main story, there is an odd sub-story that gets a little out of hand. And, honestly, telegraphed who the culprit was very early on. Seemed like a page filler to me, but I digress.

All in all, a good book. I'll still read all of these but I hope the focus is shifted a little bit soon.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series.. Up until the final quarter of the book, I was going to give this book 1 star, which I realized would have been an unfair judgement on its worth, but I am so, so sick and tired of her dysfunctional family and her refusal to continuously save them from themselves. The annoyance factor was so huge that it overwhelmed any and all other strengths of the book/series. This was Book 5, and Cass is as enmeshed as ever. Would all of you please grow up??!

But.. At the end of this book, Cass seems to have something of a breakthrough; I’ll try Book 6, hoping that the old familial pattern doesn’t reassert. (If it does, I’m done with this series that I otherwise kind of like.) Also, there’s finally some movement on the Eric Ray front.

It’s my fifth Cass Leary audiobook, and I think the narrator contributes to my irritation. I can’t fault her pronunciation, and her voice is pleasant enough. The best I can articulate my dissatisfaction is that I listen to her voicing Cass and feel like the effect (and affect) is Debbie Downer.

[The Humble Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure about this one

Cass goes to trial in this book defending the one person she has a rocky relationship with- her father. Her father, Joe Sr is arrested and charged with a crime against a gf of his and a loveable character of the town.

Review: I have seriously enjoyed this series until this one. This one, had me want to sleep. I think it was because it was focused on TWO cases and not just one. The main case was the one with Cass's father and the second was trying to find birth parents for a client. The whole thing of hunting down parents, was super boring. The case against her father was interesting and intriguing but yet a little fun.
The family dynamic in this series kinda reminds me of my own. The drama, the stress, the chaos- yea I can relate. Maybe that's why I really like this series. Anyway, I gave it a four because the book was good but parts were boring. If it just dealt with the family craziness, I would have given a five but oh well.
Onto the next!

[Phillip III · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Cass Leary and her family. Talk about drama? Daddy is back in the picture. An old drunk, not known for raising his kids well. Only this time, needs Cass' help. Her expertise.

At first his girlfriend is just missing. It isn't long before the police believe she has been murdered. All the circumstantial evidence points directly at Joe, Sr. And he wants his daughter to defend him.

As a side case, Cass thought she was taking on a couple. They are expecting a baby. The Wife/Mother was adopted. Now that her adoptive parents have passed - she is hoping Cass and her legal team can somehow track down her birth parents. Sounds simple . . . except the search opens up a can of worms that will hopefully help the police put away a serial rapist.

Man, if you enjoy legal thrillers -- Grisham, Turow -- but in a small town setting, like the TV show Burden of Truth ... you'll love Robin James' novels.

Phillip Tomasso
Author of the legal thriller, ADVERSE IMPACT

[R.E. E. Derouin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Evidence by Robin James 6/25/2022 Kindle

This book is number five in the Cass Leary legal series. In spite of a long and unpleasant history with her father, Cass answers his beg for help. Additionally, another client presents a seemingly simple request to chase down for birth parents. When a DNA test is returned, matters become serious when a connection to a serial killer is discovered. In spite of the risk, a direct connection is made with new relatives prompting potentially dangerous results.

Cass and her team and family have their hands full as Dad is accused of murder. Not all of his children believe in his innocence but Cass is dragged into the mess. It really helps to have the background of this large group of players by having read earlier installments of this series.

I enjoyed this episode, even more than the earlier cases. Sure, it’s not the top of the line but it is entertaining. Therefore, it gets my vote and I recommend it to others.

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th in the series about Cass Leary. You gotta love Cass and all her family and the trouble behind the scenes that they get into.

This time, she is defending her father. She doesn't want the case, but in order to help her brother, Matty, she takes it on. Her father is charged with the murder of his girlfriend. All her belongings were found in his hotel room, along with blood. He states he wasn't even there on that night!

But, this case will reveal some secrets that Cass has always wanted to know. Plus, she is also working a case trying to find an adopted woman's mother. This turns out to be more then expected and even puts Cass in danger.

I just love this series. Don't miss it.

[Ava M Bartley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book!

I love this series! Robin James is a great author. Her words are like silk. Smooth, easy reading. The main characters reappear in each book of the series. New characters show up in each book. The main characters are very realistic and believable. I feel like I know them personally and they are my friends. The dialogue flows freely and smoothly. The editing is clean. I am reading the books in this series back to back. There are very few time I have done this in a series because they normally don't hold my attention. But this is an amazing series and I am reading the next book as soon as I finish this review. I highly recommend this book/series to anyone that loves a murder mystery with court room drama.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Blood Evidence is the fifth book in the Cass Leary Legal Thriller Series by Robin James. This is a gripping and emotionally charged legal thriller series that is as compelling as it is thought-provoking. Cass Leary is a fiercely intelligent and tenacious attorney who navigates the murky waters of justice with a mix of grit, vulnerability, and unyielding determination.
The cases in the series are diverse and meticulously detailed, ranging from domestic disputes to high-stakes criminal trials. Robin James’ background as a legal practitioner shines through in the authenticity of the courtroom scenes and the nuanced exploration of ethical dilemmas. Each book is a page-turner, filled with unexpected twists, moral gray areas, and moments of genuine suspense.
Happy Reading…

[Ginger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another book in the Cass Leary series that I read and enjoyed. My only problem with this book is that her family situation became tiresome and depressing. I'd rather that the author concentrate on the legal parts of the plot instead of her dysfunctional family. The trial was an interesting one, despite a client who was so unlikable that he was despicable. The other legal issue Cass investigated involved the finding of a birth parent, and I appreciated the steps taken to do this. I somewhat suspected how this would turn out. However, the revelations in the end seemed too contrived, and I would have preferred that they'd have been brought out during the trial, instead.

[Jacob Peled · Rating 4 out of 5]

In fact, these are two parallel stories, the only connection between them is the lawyer Cass Leary who is the main character in the story. It is not clear why two stories in one book. That's one of the reasons I only gave 4 stars. It should be noted that in 4 previous books with lawyer Cass I gave 5 stars. The side story about investigating the adoptive parents was a bit strange and didn't make much sense to me. The main story with Cass Leary's father was even less convincing, and even upsetting. In any case, this is a good and readable legal suspense book.

[Clifton Rankin]

Monday, a week ago, while waiting for Meg Basham’s book to come out on Tuesday, I started reading Robin James’ “Blood Evidence” that night after I got to bed, and finished it after I finished “Shepherds for Sale.” As always, James uses the dysfunctional family of lawyer, Cass Leary, to weave a tale of murder, suspense, and mystery. The reader sees family relationships pushed to their limit when Cass’ Dad returns, and finds himself accused of murder. The books in the series continue to get better and better.

[Cheryl A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. This one finds Cass defending her father of murder when a lot of blood is found in his motel room. He has not been the ideal father and has been in trouble with the law before and lied. She does not want to defend him but makes a deal with her younger brother to get the help he needs for his drinking problem. Also her and Jeanie are asked to help Alicia find her birth mother. That is another mystery for them to solve. If you enjoy a good mystery with lots of trial jargon this is a great series.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am hooked on these books. Cass is a good girl. She cares about the people she represents. She has been trying to hold her family together for years, after they were raised by two selfish, narcissistic people. Even her sweet mother put her disgusting father first, before her kids. At the same time she is defending her father for murder, she is also searching for the parents of a woman given up for adoption. The DNA. Reveals that the father is tied to several brutal rapes. The search for these two parents puts Cass in the path of this terrible man.

[Scott Chapman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I hate to come to the end of the Cass Leary books.

I feel like I know the Leary Law Group so well, it's hard to say good bye. This story was very detailed, and carefully thought out. The plot got thicker and more involved with each exciting chapter. Really? How much more can the Leary family take? Are Cass and Eric ever going to get together? This story was nicely wrapped up, with just enough tail ends loose for a follow-up.

[Peter Strauss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Should've Been 5 Stars!

I loved this book as I have all of'm in this series. It was exciting and fast moving and gave continuing character development to the Leary family and especially (newcomer), Dad! (Here comes the BUT!) But, I was disappointed how everything was conveniently pulled together in the narrative in the last 7% of the book! I guess I'd just wished it to be longer and fully played out, hence only 4 rather than 5 Stars.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw the Suspects

This one was not hard to figure out who did it and I had a fear that Cass was so wrapped up in the trial that she would miss the obvious truth. She did which surprised me but she came out the other side clean thank goodness.

Love this series... worry that the next book is the last in the series. Hope not. Yet I have really enjoyed Robin James writing of these strong independent women that sometimes get into a bit of trouble.

[Karyn A. MacKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sure to please!

Robin James has done it again! The plot line of Blood Evidence is sure to please even the cagiest reader. Without giving any spoilers, I'd say that the only way one might figure out some of the surprising twists in this story is to listen to one's gut. Good work, Ms. James, and thank you for another captivating read! These books just keep getting better and better, and are very hard to put down.

[Michelle Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so hooked on this series! If you are too, and you've been wondering if Cass's deadbeat dad would ever turn up, this is the book for you. Cass meets prosecutor Mara Brent (not in the courtroom but on a case they have in common), and that's super fun too, since the Mara Brent series is equally as good as the Cass Leary series. If you haven't read either of these series and you're a fan of legal thrillers, add them to your list!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding series

Cass defends her Dad, which everyone knows is a mistake. She helps a young women find her birth parents. Loved the addition of Mara(attorney from Northern Ohio). This story leads into her own series. Will enjoy all coming books from Robin James. Keep them coming!!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blood Evidence

Whew, I couldn’t get through this one fast enough! There were two mysteries/whodunnits in this book and I’d figured them both out pretty early into the story. That didn’t stop my enjoyment of the story though. I hope Cass sticks to her word regarding her father and brother. That was getting old. I’m excited to see a series following Mara!

[Ms Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

More family drama......

I believe this is my fourth book in this series. Although I enjoy them they are pretty much the same scenarios. As some of the other reviews went I too am sick of the family drama. I’m also ready for Cass and Eric to be a team (professionally and personal) already. Overall, I recommend this book.

[Frances Bossard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read, disappointing because, I knew from the start it was the father next!

To much family. Not so much reality. Brothers so weak, not really men. To old to be babysat all their lives. Needs new life. New people not related to a lawyer. Old lawyer supposed to be strong, not this character. She just seems old.