What do you think?
Rate this book
Nate Shepherd #1
Lethal Defense
A client savagely kills a man to protect a friend. A lawyer with secrets must prove it was justified.
Attorney Nate Shepherd left a big firm to go out on his own. He sees nothing but opportunity when an out-of-town lawyer wants to hire him as local counsel on a high-profile murder case. Though his family worries that the case hits too close to home, Nate joins the defense team.
When circumstances force him to take on a bigger role, Nate ignores his family’s fears and throws himself into his client’s defense. But as he digs deeper, every aspect of the case raises memories of a terrible event that Nate has tried his best to bury.
Battling an aggressive prosecutor in court and a dogged reporter outside it, Nate fights to prove that his client’s brutal, bloody slaying of an evil victim was right. But when Nate’s own story is exposed, it threatens his client’s freedom … and Nate’s carefully constructed life.
Can Nate fend off his own demons long enough to save his client?
Lethal Defense is the first book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, iron-willed characters, and slippery moral quandaries, then you’ll love Michael Stagg’s fierce courtroom drama.
Buy Lethal Defense and step into the courtroom today!
Attorney Nate Shepherd left a big firm to go out on his own. He sees nothing but opportunity when an out-of-town lawyer wants to hire him as local counsel on a high-profile murder case. Though his family worries that the case hits too close to home, Nate joins the defense team.
When circumstances force him to take on a bigger role, Nate ignores his family’s fears and throws himself into his client’s defense. But as he digs deeper, every aspect of the case raises memories of a terrible event that Nate has tried his best to bury.
Battling an aggressive prosecutor in court and a dogged reporter outside it, Nate fights to prove that his client’s brutal, bloody slaying of an evil victim was right. But when Nate’s own story is exposed, it threatens his client’s freedom … and Nate’s carefully constructed life.
Can Nate fend off his own demons long enough to save his client?
Lethal Defense is the first book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, iron-willed characters, and slippery moral quandaries, then you’ll love Michael Stagg’s fierce courtroom drama.
Buy Lethal Defense and step into the courtroom today!
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2020
5304 people are currently reading
1572 people want to read
About the author
Michael Stagg
10 books306 followersMichael Stagg has been a trial lawyer for more than twenty-five years. He has tried cases to juries and he's won and he's lost and he's argued about it in the court of appeals after. He still practices law so he's writing the Nate Shepherd series under a pen name.
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Michael and his wife live in the Midwest. Their sons are grown so time that used to be spent at football games and band concerts now goes to writing. He enjoys sports of all sorts, reading, and grilling, with the order depending on the day.
For more information about Michael and his books, sign up for his newsletter at michaelstagg.com/newsletter/ or go to michaelstagg.com.
Nate Shepherd Legal Thrillers - Reading Order
Lethal Defense
True Intent
Blind Conviction
False Oath
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews
Read
July 26, 2023Part 1
I had such a hard time, I totally struggled to read chapter after chapter…
While the premise was intriguing, the writing style couldn’t hold my interest. It was (for me) distancing and cold.
It took me 3 days to read 13 chapters and in the end I just left it there…
Dnf @ 27%
I had such a hard time, I totally struggled to read chapter after chapter…
While the premise was intriguing, the writing style couldn’t hold my interest. It was (for me) distancing and cold.
It took me 3 days to read 13 chapters and in the end I just left it there…
Dnf @ 27%
May 8, 2021
I've always believed that there must be something interesting about the central character in any story. He or she must show something indefinable; likeable, admirable, witty, etc. Lawyer Nate Shephard is one of those guys. Nate is a small city lawyer on the Ohio Michigan border who receives an offer to act as local counsel in a high profile murder trial. Events quickly go sideways challenging Nate to step up his role for the defense. Fortunately, he's supported by a Minneapolis law firm with deep pockets. His family, friends and legal team are strong characters as well as his charismatic client accused of a particularly brutal murder. The trial chapters are riveting focusing on Nate, a former All County Linebacker and very human character of high intellect, character and integrity dealing with his own personal issues along the way. This is a good book #1 in a series that I intend to continue.
August 20, 2022
Loved it!
August 1, 2020
Riveting!
Once I started this book I couldn’t but it down. The characters and plot were literally brought to life in this novel.
Turow, Grisham ... there is a new name in town. There aren’t enough legal thrillers so I’m looking forward to the new voice.
Spoiler- if you get queasy about body injury be prepared.. it’s gruesome.
Once I started this book I couldn’t but it down. The characters and plot were literally brought to life in this novel.
Turow, Grisham ... there is a new name in town. There aren’t enough legal thrillers so I’m looking forward to the new voice.
Spoiler- if you get queasy about body injury be prepared.. it’s gruesome.
September 24, 2020
Not bad but no excitement or twists.
I kept waiting for something to happen but no, just the drudgery of daily lawyers work.
I won’t be reading the second book
I kept waiting for something to happen but no, just the drudgery of daily lawyers work.
I won’t be reading the second book
April 3, 2022
I really love this book. It’s like reading a John Grisham books but it doesn’t go into all the Deep legal language. I love the person that’s also reads the book.
I gave the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I gave the book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
June 13, 2023
Excellent legal thriller
July 25, 2023
I would read more in this series.
December 27, 2023
This is labeled as legal thriller but there is no thrill. No big action. No twist. Nada.this is just a book about a lawyer on a case. That's it. Nothing to really like or hate. It's just blah
June 5, 2023
I honestly couldn't believe the author is a practicing attorney (I Googled him). Witty dialogue, perhaps, but not realistic. I can't imagine a person charged with capital murder would be as chill as the killer is (I forget his name). I can't imagine a rookie attorney staying on a death case, can't imagine a jury being death-qualified in a morning (they started jury selection at 8:30, did openings at 11:30 and put their first witness on at 1... yeah, right). Then, hoping for the huge twist at the end to know why the guy really did it... nope... no twists, no turns. He's acquitted because of the sparkly closing of the rookie defense attorney. Yikes. Best part: on a capital murder case there's 9 jurors and 2 alternates?? Maybe this was a sci-fi book and I missed it. Don't know what planet you're on for all this to be realistic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2020
Riveting
Michael Stagg is in a rare class with this novel. I would be hard pressed to say if he could have a career like Grisham in his future but I know I'm a devoted fan now. This novel told so many tales about life it felt like I just lived through it instead of just staying up all night because I had to know how it ended. As of 7:12 am I now to the genius that is Michael Stagg.
I do not ever give spoiler reviews. I will say I loved every single gritty, gross detail.
Michael Stagg is in a rare class with this novel. I would be hard pressed to say if he could have a career like Grisham in his future but I know I'm a devoted fan now. This novel told so many tales about life it felt like I just lived through it instead of just staying up all night because I had to know how it ended. As of 7:12 am I now to the genius that is Michael Stagg.
I do not ever give spoiler reviews. I will say I loved every single gritty, gross detail.
October 25, 2020
Great read!
This story had twists and turns that have the reader thinking about which direction the story will settle on. From the beginning you know who did it, where and when. The how is very graphic and the first run through is difficult. As you continue to understand the accused, surprisingly you begin to see him in a different light. There is a heart breaking story hidden in the main that is incredibly important that quite simply reminds about this world we live in. It all came together very well.
This story had twists and turns that have the reader thinking about which direction the story will settle on. From the beginning you know who did it, where and when. The how is very graphic and the first run through is difficult. As you continue to understand the accused, surprisingly you begin to see him in a different light. There is a heart breaking story hidden in the main that is incredibly important that quite simply reminds about this world we live in. It all came together very well.
September 18, 2020
A great legal thriller
I SO wanted to give this a five star rating. Was one of the best legal thrillers I’ve read in awhile. BUT-it does need some editing. There were multiple grammatical errors throughout the book. It didn’t detract me from the story but was an annoyance. If it wasn’t for that I would have given it a five star in a heartbeat! Even so, it won’t stop me from reading the next book in the series.
I SO wanted to give this a five star rating. Was one of the best legal thrillers I’ve read in awhile. BUT-it does need some editing. There were multiple grammatical errors throughout the book. It didn’t detract me from the story but was an annoyance. If it wasn’t for that I would have given it a five star in a heartbeat! Even so, it won’t stop me from reading the next book in the series.
September 22, 2022
This book is probably 4.5. It is so good. Couldn’t put it down! So similar to John Grisham legal thrillers. We’ll written and fast paced. One of those gems you find on Kindle Unlimited! Will be reading the entire series. Nate is a great character!
November 26, 2023
I kinda like court dramas and this was very good. Reading blood and gore is easier for me than seeing it, I guess. The party was guilty, no denying it.. Now how can he be proved innocent, or not?
February 8, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is my personal 5 star rating system because I’m too lazy to write a review for every book.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
5 stars -> OMFG. I couldn’t stop listening. I was engaged from beginning to end. The story & narrator was amazing. I 100% recommend this book & author. I was able to clearly follow each and every character.
4 stars -> It was pretty good. I would’ve rated 5 stars, But either the ending was lacking, I struggled to keep up with characters, or the story didn’t keep me fully engaged. The narrator was pretty good as well. I’m on the fence about recommending this book, It could go either way.
3 Stars -> It was boring at times & I missed chunks of the story. I most likely struggled to keep up with character developments. The only way I would recommend this book is if it was part of a series. The narrator was most likely average or just couldn’t fix a mediocre book.
2 Stars -> It was pretty horrible. I used it as background noise because I hadn’t had a chance to search for another book. The book either had a bad narrator, The character development was non existent, or the story was hot garbage. I would not recommend this book.
1 Star -> The absolute only reason I listened to this book was because i had no time to search for another one & I needed background noise. It was 1 step up from listening to the radio. I wouldn’t recommend this book to my worst enemy. Everything about this book was terrible. This is only recommended for people on death row and have absolutely nothing else to read.
March 25, 2025
The premise had me intrigued, and I was very much looking forward to this legal thriller, but I had a hard time connecting with the protagonist, Nate Shepherd. I felt like so much of his story was kept hidden purposely and little bits were offered here and there, and while I can see where that was probably the intent of the author, it didn’t work for me. The crime was intense, and the courtroom scenes were done very well, and I enjoyed them. The bottom line for me was that I found it underwhelming. I don’t know how I feel about the protagonist interjecting thoughts to the reader within dialogue because I felt it was a contradiction to all of the things we never learned about his past. on one hand, he was reaching out to the reader, but on the other, keeping vital facts about his life from the reader, which didn’t make sense to me. We never got to know the supporting characters on his legal defense team. Well at all so there was no connection there either. i’ve gone ahead and read the synopsis of the second book in this series and it sounds like it will shed light on Nate Shepherd‘s past along with a detective on the police force that he has a history with from way back. It sounds as if that book may be better than this one in that regard. There were parts of this book I liked, but there were more holes left open, making it not come together for me like I wanted it too.
March 31, 2022
3.4〜3.8 stars??
February 19, 2023
3.5 stars. I listened to this on Audible and it was very well read. There is no secret about the fact that the client has viciously beaten a man to death and it's not easy to wish for his acquittal. The issue of drugs and the drug epidemic in America is touched on in a sympathetic way.
July 13, 2021
My voracious appetite for legal thrillers continues with the first entry into a series starring a fella named Nathan Shepherd, an attorney who has been summoned by another attorney for the criminal defense of a man who quite brutally murdered another man to defend someone else. Nathan doesn't do criminal cases, but given that he cannot resist what is offered to help out, he reluctantly joins in. It all starts out so simply, and then BAM, complications arise and now the real games begin.
As expected, it took me a bit of time to warm up to Shepherd and his author, Michael Stagg, but that's not at all an unusual thing when I switch from one series to another, especially when it's from two totally different authors. Often it's a jarring change, one that I can either grow accustomed to or one I can't adjust to. Obviously, I always hope for the former, that whatever transitons I experience can be ironed out within the first book somewhere so I'd be inclined to continue into the series.
Fortunately, I took a liking to Shepherd, It didn't happen right away, but it did happen eventually, namely when I was more allowed into his personal world with the help of his rather lovable family. It was mildly frustrating at first not to know his secrets, not knowing anything about him and how the author deliberately left things out, but once I learned that that was the point, it became easier to accept. I'm not supposed to know everything right away, and in time, I've come to prefer the bite-sized pieces.
Despite some issues I had with some of the scenes and/or character interactions closing off too abruptly, which kinda threw the momentum off kilter, I still became rather fond of the Stagg's writing style. His characters are rich and realistic-feeling, so much so that I was feeling genuine annoyance when charcters might behave a certain way. If I feel NOTHING for characters, emotionally speaking, then they're not being written right. Fortunately, the characters are written very well, many of them very likable (and unlikable, for that matter). I like when I'm so immersed in a book simply because of its characters, and this one does it very well.
All in all, this first entry won me over. Even though I didn't quite fully find the plot too believable, it was still presented in a nice, convincing manner, which I came to appreciate. I am definitely curious to continue on into this series and I hope for even better stories and/cases.
As expected, it took me a bit of time to warm up to Shepherd and his author, Michael Stagg, but that's not at all an unusual thing when I switch from one series to another, especially when it's from two totally different authors. Often it's a jarring change, one that I can either grow accustomed to or one I can't adjust to. Obviously, I always hope for the former, that whatever transitons I experience can be ironed out within the first book somewhere so I'd be inclined to continue into the series.
Fortunately, I took a liking to Shepherd, It didn't happen right away, but it did happen eventually, namely when I was more allowed into his personal world with the help of his rather lovable family. It was mildly frustrating at first not to know his secrets, not knowing anything about him and how the author deliberately left things out, but once I learned that that was the point, it became easier to accept. I'm not supposed to know everything right away, and in time, I've come to prefer the bite-sized pieces.
Despite some issues I had with some of the scenes and/or character interactions closing off too abruptly, which kinda threw the momentum off kilter, I still became rather fond of the Stagg's writing style. His characters are rich and realistic-feeling, so much so that I was feeling genuine annoyance when charcters might behave a certain way. If I feel NOTHING for characters, emotionally speaking, then they're not being written right. Fortunately, the characters are written very well, many of them very likable (and unlikable, for that matter). I like when I'm so immersed in a book simply because of its characters, and this one does it very well.
All in all, this first entry won me over. Even though I didn't quite fully find the plot too believable, it was still presented in a nice, convincing manner, which I came to appreciate. I am definitely curious to continue on into this series and I hope for even better stories and/cases.
June 1, 2022
Very solid legal thriller. You know those times that you’d like an easier read but you don’t want to rot your brain with total drivel? Well, enter attorney Nate Shepard who accepts a position as local counsel in a murder case. Nate’s a pretty regular guy: decent lawyer and family man who enjoys watching Sports Center.
This murder case is high-profile, especially in his small town, and it seems designed to dig up some issues that Nate might prefer to deal with less publicly. He’s not a hot dog trial attorney and uses good, thoughtful legal techniques (okay, there’s still some slightly fantastic elements when dealing with the large firm that hires Nate to help with the case). This is not a book where everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end. The murder is fairly heinous, and there’s not really a full explanation of the act itself. But Nate is nobody’s fool and he’s a pleasure to spend some time with. I listened to the Audible version and give two thumbs up to the narration. I’m all in for the rest of the books in the series (this is book one), hoping they’ll live up to this one.
This murder case is high-profile, especially in his small town, and it seems designed to dig up some issues that Nate might prefer to deal with less publicly. He’s not a hot dog trial attorney and uses good, thoughtful legal techniques (okay, there’s still some slightly fantastic elements when dealing with the large firm that hires Nate to help with the case). This is not a book where everything is wrapped up in a neat bow at the end. The murder is fairly heinous, and there’s not really a full explanation of the act itself. But Nate is nobody’s fool and he’s a pleasure to spend some time with. I listened to the Audible version and give two thumbs up to the narration. I’m all in for the rest of the books in the series (this is book one), hoping they’ll live up to this one.
April 28, 2022
Review: This is the first legal thriller book I have read. This book is the first installment of the Nate Shephard series. I am a crime/murder/mystery junkie so I decided to give this book a shot.
Most people complained because this book has no secret twists. You know who the murderer is, who the victim is, and the reasons why he was killed.
The true beauty is in the way Nate, the lawyer, presents the facts to try and convince a jury that this murder was JUSTIFIED. I love the court room drama and the persuasive arguments.
This book is probably not for everybody but I really enjoyed it.
Most people complained because this book has no secret twists. You know who the murderer is, who the victim is, and the reasons why he was killed.
The true beauty is in the way Nate, the lawyer, presents the facts to try and convince a jury that this murder was JUSTIFIED. I love the court room drama and the persuasive arguments.
This book is probably not for everybody but I really enjoyed it.
July 28, 2022
a book you simply can’t put down.
This book kept me up until 2 am — I couldn’t put it down. Nate was amazing as the hero-lawyer in an uphill battle to get a confessed killer off the hook. This story is about Justice. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
This book kept me up until 2 am — I couldn’t put it down. Nate was amazing as the hero-lawyer in an uphill battle to get a confessed killer off the hook. This story is about Justice. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
May 21, 2023
Almost entirely filled with courtroom set up which I really loved.
Given the nature of the crime, I expected a legal trick or some twist that helps the defense's case at some point, but the ending fell flat.
Otherwise a good read.
Given the nature of the crime, I expected a legal trick or some twist that helps the defense's case at some point, but the ending fell flat.
Otherwise a good read.
December 13, 2024
Almost competes with the Best In Class of the legal thrillers. This swept me into the plot right away and kept calling me back every time I put the book down. Five happy 🌟 stars from this reader. Available on Kindle Unlimited when I read it.
August 26, 2025
Ugh as a law student this book is completely unrealistic and therefore sucks. The dialogue between lawyers is way too casual and there seemed to be some obvious issues with ethical behavior. For instance, why does it not come up until just before trial that Hank is NORWEGIAN?!? At the very end, one of the jurors admits that she personally knows both the defense attorney and a witness, and she still made it through voir dire? Nate only ended up calling one witness, and he probably improperly communicated with another one (who unrealistically dies mysteriously)?!? The jury ultimately only took half of a day to deliberate over what is made out to be an incredibly ambiguous issue? Come on.
Also, side note on Nate but he stinks as a protagonist. I kept looking for an identifying factor that made his personality unique, but I couldn’t find one. If you’re going to write a legal thriller with a prominent lead, give him some excitement, especially because he’s a trial lawyer! I get it that Nate is supposed to be an under the radar attorney thrust into the spotlight, but there are still ways to make him stand out. The one time where it looked like we were going to be exposed to his weakness - Sarah’s fatal overdose, there’s a corny fourth wall moment where he admits that he’s not going to show us his vulnerability and that ends the section.
Not reading another Michael stagg. No wonder he turned to fiction because he could use a brush up on the ABA model ethics rules to make this book more accurate
Also, side note on Nate but he stinks as a protagonist. I kept looking for an identifying factor that made his personality unique, but I couldn’t find one. If you’re going to write a legal thriller with a prominent lead, give him some excitement, especially because he’s a trial lawyer! I get it that Nate is supposed to be an under the radar attorney thrust into the spotlight, but there are still ways to make him stand out. The one time where it looked like we were going to be exposed to his weakness - Sarah’s fatal overdose, there’s a corny fourth wall moment where he admits that he’s not going to show us his vulnerability and that ends the section.
Not reading another Michael stagg. No wonder he turned to fiction because he could use a brush up on the ABA model ethics rules to make this book more accurate
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 29, 2024
I hadn’t read a legal book before this and I will say it was just a decent listen. I wouldn’t really say this was a legal thriller by any means.. more like a procedural or courtroom drama. There are a few curveballs, but I didn’t feel like there was an overwhelmingly shocking twists.
I listen primarily during work and this was easy to digest and follow along which was a positive. The narrator does a pretty good job as well. I don’t have a lot to say about the book it is nothing special but it wasn’t bad either. - just a decent palette cleanser. If the 2nd book becomes free I will consider giving it a listen.
I listen primarily during work and this was easy to digest and follow along which was a positive. The narrator does a pretty good job as well. I don’t have a lot to say about the book it is nothing special but it wasn’t bad either. - just a decent palette cleanser. If the 2nd book becomes free I will consider giving it a listen.
January 20, 2025
This book was kind of an “out there” choice for me to read, but I actually really enjoyed it! I knew I’d like the storyline but I just don’t think I’d ever read anything like this before.
There were enough plot twists that kept me interested while also explaining the process of a trial well. Although I had suspicions on how the case would rule, I can say I was truly shocked with the ruling at the end.
I really enjoyed the side story of Nate & his wife, Sarah too. It was bittersweet but the ode to her throughout the whole book was a testament to this author’s willingness to talk about hard topics, which I always appreciate.
One star off because it just wasn’t AS in depth & suspenseful as I hoped it would be, but overall very good!
There were enough plot twists that kept me interested while also explaining the process of a trial well. Although I had suspicions on how the case would rule, I can say I was truly shocked with the ruling at the end.
I really enjoyed the side story of Nate & his wife, Sarah too. It was bittersweet but the ode to her throughout the whole book was a testament to this author’s willingness to talk about hard topics, which I always appreciate.
One star off because it just wasn’t AS in depth & suspenseful as I hoped it would be, but overall very good!
February 11, 2021
2 1/2 * rounded up to three. I had a difficult time with this book due to the ongoing graphic details of the murder brought out during the trial. Eventually, I simply tuned them out. I believe the details were essential for the trial so I cannot fault the writer for this. Good story, good plot. I am enjoying my newest author find.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 505 reviews