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The Venturi Effect
After fleeing the crush of a partnership at a large Chicago criminal-defense firm and the humiliation of a professional breakdown, Devlin Winters just wants to be left alone with a couple sundowners on the deck of her dilapidated mahogany trawler on Galveston Bay. But when an old flame shows up on the boardwalk with a mysterious little boy in tow and an indictment on his heels, fate has other plans, and Devlin finds herself thrust onto a sailboat bound for St. Kitts and staring down her demons in the courtroom, as she squares off against an obsessed prosecutor with a secret of his own.
On Webb’s The Unremarkable Circumstances of Inmate 17656-090:
“This is a remarkable book by an author of extraordinary talent.”
Joseph Schreiber, Author of Ghosts of the Mid-Country
“[A]n intriguing story . . . captivating and described [with] extreme skill.”
Red City Review, naming the book its 2018 Best Debut Novel
On Webb’s The Unremarkable Circumstances of Inmate 17656-090:
“This is a remarkable book by an author of extraordinary talent.”
Joseph Schreiber, Author of Ghosts of the Mid-Country
“[A]n intriguing story . . . captivating and described [with] extreme skill.”
Red City Review, naming the book its 2018 Best Debut Novel
329 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2020
About the author
Sage Webb
4 books96 followersSage Webb practiced criminal defense for over a decade before turning to fiction. She is the author of two novels and the recipient of numerous literary awards in the U.S. and U.K., including second place in the Hackney Literary Awards.
Her short stories have appeared in Texas anthologies and literary reviews. In 2020, Michigan’s Mackinac State Historic Parks named her an artist in residence. She belongs to International Thriller Writers and PEN America, and lives with her husband, a ship’s cat, and a boat dog on a sailboat in Galveston Bay.
You can find her at www.sagewebb.com.
Her short stories have appeared in Texas anthologies and literary reviews. In 2020, Michigan’s Mackinac State Historic Parks named her an artist in residence. She belongs to International Thriller Writers and PEN America, and lives with her husband, a ship’s cat, and a boat dog on a sailboat in Galveston Bay.
You can find her at www.sagewebb.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 4, 2020
The Venturi Effect by Sage Webb proved to be a riveting legal procedural. Set in the beautiful island of St. Kitts and Nevis and the state of Michigan, the story follows Devlin Winters, a lawyer whose licence the bar association had suspended. She currently works as a Carny. Down on her luck, she is a far cry from the person she used to be. She had no interest in returning to the cutthroat legal world and the drama associated with the courtroom. However, when a blast from her past in form of her ex, Nils Bryson, came knocking, she was drawn back into the very world she tried to escape.
The characters whose pasts are linked proved to be interesting and complex, with my least favourite being the prosecuting attorney, Xavier Charles. I found him to be pompous and condescending. His personal interest in the case and the manner in which he handled didn’t win him any favours with the reader. The case in question was one of tax fraud, a situation to which I can relate from working in the field of taxation. The lengths persons will go evade paying taxes never cease to amaze me. This story provided some insight into those actions.
I admired Devlin. Her willingness to re-enter the world she walked away from because of the pressures she experienced to help a friend in need showed her caring nature. Her intelligence and keen sense of observation proved to be an asset to the entire chain of events. I loved how the author portrayed her vulnerabilities. Here we have a strong woman who was not afraid to admit her weaknesses and failures.
It made me happy to see Devlin and Nils coming to terms with the pain from their past, a process which brought about forgiveness and healing and led to a second chance at love.
The story began on a slow note but gradually build up as it progressed. Despite the slow start, the events had me intrigued, and I had a hard time putting the book down. It delivered a mix of suspense and romance, where the latter was served as a side dish. I had a blast with how the events unfolded and the end took me by surprise. I had many theories about the end, but none came close to the actual conclusion. I thought it ended on a wonderful note, although I had hoped that Devlin would have been the one to figure it out and sock it to the pompous and irritating Xavier Charles.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, The Venturi Effect delivered a riveting tale, which would appeal to fans of legal procedurals.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The characters whose pasts are linked proved to be interesting and complex, with my least favourite being the prosecuting attorney, Xavier Charles. I found him to be pompous and condescending. His personal interest in the case and the manner in which he handled didn’t win him any favours with the reader. The case in question was one of tax fraud, a situation to which I can relate from working in the field of taxation. The lengths persons will go evade paying taxes never cease to amaze me. This story provided some insight into those actions.
I admired Devlin. Her willingness to re-enter the world she walked away from because of the pressures she experienced to help a friend in need showed her caring nature. Her intelligence and keen sense of observation proved to be an asset to the entire chain of events. I loved how the author portrayed her vulnerabilities. Here we have a strong woman who was not afraid to admit her weaknesses and failures.
It made me happy to see Devlin and Nils coming to terms with the pain from their past, a process which brought about forgiveness and healing and led to a second chance at love.
The story began on a slow note but gradually build up as it progressed. Despite the slow start, the events had me intrigued, and I had a hard time putting the book down. It delivered a mix of suspense and romance, where the latter was served as a side dish. I had a blast with how the events unfolded and the end took me by surprise. I had many theories about the end, but none came close to the actual conclusion. I thought it ended on a wonderful note, although I had hoped that Devlin would have been the one to figure it out and sock it to the pompous and irritating Xavier Charles.
Conclusion/Recommendation
Overall, The Venturi Effect delivered a riveting tale, which would appeal to fans of legal procedurals.
This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
November 12, 2020
Thank you PICT for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Venturi Effect
By: Sage Webb
Synopsis
After fleeing the crush of a partnership at a large Chicago criminal-defense firm and the humiliation of a professional breakdown, Devlin Winters just wants to be left alone with a couple sundowners on the deck of her dilapidated mahogany trawler on Galveston Bay. But when an old flame shows up on the boardwalk with a mysterious little boy in tow and an indictment on his heels, fate has other plans, and Devlin finds herself thrust onto a sailboat bound for St. Kitts and staring down her demons in the courtroom, as she squares off against an obsessed prosecutor with a secret of his own.
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Venturi Effect reminds me of the legal thrillers I used to read in college. It's been a while, but I still enjoy this type of story. Devlin can't win for losing, or so it seems. And, just when she seeks solitude, a relic of her past comes walking in with trouble. I don't know anything about sailing, but it's pleasant and picturesque to imagine. This story has tension, drama and intriguing characters full of secrets. The plot is slow going, but not too slow. It's not action packed, rather this is more of a character driven story with growth and life lessons. I think fans of courtroom, legal or procedural driven drama will enjoy this story. Although not necessarily unique, The Venturi Effect is intriguing and compelling enough that you will want answers. Available November 15th! Give it a try!
The Venturi Effect
By: Sage Webb
Synopsis
After fleeing the crush of a partnership at a large Chicago criminal-defense firm and the humiliation of a professional breakdown, Devlin Winters just wants to be left alone with a couple sundowners on the deck of her dilapidated mahogany trawler on Galveston Bay. But when an old flame shows up on the boardwalk with a mysterious little boy in tow and an indictment on his heels, fate has other plans, and Devlin finds herself thrust onto a sailboat bound for St. Kitts and staring down her demons in the courtroom, as she squares off against an obsessed prosecutor with a secret of his own.
REVIEW ☆☆☆☆
The Venturi Effect reminds me of the legal thrillers I used to read in college. It's been a while, but I still enjoy this type of story. Devlin can't win for losing, or so it seems. And, just when she seeks solitude, a relic of her past comes walking in with trouble. I don't know anything about sailing, but it's pleasant and picturesque to imagine. This story has tension, drama and intriguing characters full of secrets. The plot is slow going, but not too slow. It's not action packed, rather this is more of a character driven story with growth and life lessons. I think fans of courtroom, legal or procedural driven drama will enjoy this story. Although not necessarily unique, The Venturi Effect is intriguing and compelling enough that you will want answers. Available November 15th! Give it a try!
November 11, 2020
I actually liked Xavier Charles at the beginning of this book. Not so much by the end. I’m not even going to go there. You’ll find out.
The two characters I liked the most were Devlin and Grant. They both played a key part in the plot, and Grant was a real sweetie.
Since I’m still a sea person at heart (after living on ships for ten years and spending most of the time in the Caribbean), this book grabbed me and didn’t want to let me go.
For me, the only thing that detracted from the book was all the cursing. A lawyer or any professional person should have a better command of the English language. Other than that I look forward to reading more of Ms Webb’s books.
***Book provided by PICT without charge.***
The two characters I liked the most were Devlin and Grant. They both played a key part in the plot, and Grant was a real sweetie.
Since I’m still a sea person at heart (after living on ships for ten years and spending most of the time in the Caribbean), this book grabbed me and didn’t want to let me go.
For me, the only thing that detracted from the book was all the cursing. A lawyer or any professional person should have a better command of the English language. Other than that I look forward to reading more of Ms Webb’s books.
***Book provided by PICT without charge.***
November 6, 2020
This is an interesting novel of legal procedure. It is not really a thriller as the plot moves slowly and systematically and there is only one scene of suspense. The story follows the work of a government prosecutor on one hand and a disbarred woman who gets involved in the case on the other hand. The narrative alternates stories so we see how situations progress for both of them. The character development is well done. All of the major characters had interactions in the past that affect the present legal proceedings. I like Devlin as the heroine though she didn't solve the issue as much as the solution fell to her. Even so, I will be looking for the next novel featuring her.
This is a good novel for readers who like ones of legal procedure where the plot is more about the characters than investigation or suspense. Readers of John Grisham would like this novel.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This is a good novel for readers who like ones of legal procedure where the plot is more about the characters than investigation or suspense. Readers of John Grisham would like this novel.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
December 8, 2020
Sage Webb’s background in both the law and sailing helps her create dynamic characters, believable scenarios, and a thrilling ocean crossing.
Webb’s experience as a criminal defense attorney provides authentic descriptions to the court cases and thought processes of legal counsel, both of which drive the action.
But it’s events outside the courtroom that turn this into something more than a garden-variety legal thriller.
Unlike most legal thrillers, where much of the excitement comes from the people embroiled in legal troubles and a small geographical footprint, Webb expands the world of the novel and includes thrilling scenes on the high seas.
Read my full review here: https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/202...
Webb’s experience as a criminal defense attorney provides authentic descriptions to the court cases and thought processes of legal counsel, both of which drive the action.
But it’s events outside the courtroom that turn this into something more than a garden-variety legal thriller.
Unlike most legal thrillers, where much of the excitement comes from the people embroiled in legal troubles and a small geographical footprint, Webb expands the world of the novel and includes thrilling scenes on the high seas.
Read my full review here: https://www.elenataylorauthor.com/202...
December 11, 2020
Love the setting, the motivations, the quirks and the plot of this fast-paced novel. And I loved the characters! So much depth to them. I especially loved Devlin and her ability to pick herself up. She's a hero to root for!! The Venturi Effect is a must read and I can't recommend it highly enough!
November 27, 2020
The Venturi Effect is by a relatively new author and the book reminded me a little of an early Grisham novel, weaving in sailing with the law. This is less a thriller and more character driven than the synopsis implies. While I didn’t really connect with any of the characters, I did enjoy reading about their secrets and adventures. There is a lot of reflection as we see how each character became who they are.
While I’ve never been in trouble with the law, I am always intrigued by how the prosecution finds evidence and builds a case. This book is a little bit of a chess match, pivoting from back and forth from each side building and defending an alleged bad guy.
I give this one a solid four stars and would be interested to see where the series will go from here.
While I’ve never been in trouble with the law, I am always intrigued by how the prosecution finds evidence and builds a case. This book is a little bit of a chess match, pivoting from back and forth from each side building and defending an alleged bad guy.
I give this one a solid four stars and would be interested to see where the series will go from here.
November 30, 2020
In The Venturi Effect, author Sage Webb draws upon her professional legal experience to weave a riveting legal procedural thriller that captivates the reader's attention from beginning to end. Set in the multiple locales of Kemah and Galveston Bay, in the Gulf Coast of Texas; the tropical island of St. Kitts; and Grand Rapids, Michigan, the reader follows ex-Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Devlin Winters, as she is drawn in to help an old friend and his brother fight a federal tax fraud case brought against them by an aggressive United States Assistant Attorney, who is determined to send the brothers to federal prison.
For the past two years, ex-Chicago based attorney Devlin Winters has been seeking solitude living on a sailboat, and working as a boardwalk carny barker on the Galveston Bay Gulf Coast of Texas. She had once been on the fast-track to becoming the youngest partner at Sondhein Baker, but the long hours and fast pace took an emotional toll on her, leaving her burned out and with a suspended license after a physical encounter with her client during a federal fraud trial. Her stress-free life takes a turn when an old friend from her past unexpectedly arrives seeking her help.
Viggo and Nils Bryson grew up with Devlin in Chicago, but they haven't seen each other in years. Viggo is the owner of Blue Tide, LLC, a company that provides insurance policies. He has been accused of federal tax fraud against the IRS, and has sent his nine year old son Grant to stay with his younger brother Nils, a yacht broker in Kemah, Texas.
Devlin is surprised when Nils and Grant come up to her boardwalk game, neither knew that they both live in the same town, and Nils' unexpected appearance brings their shared past back to the surface. Nils asks Devlin to help Viggo's defense team prepare for the fraud case, and when Nils is targeted as a secondary defendant, Devlin has to overcome her courtroom and personal demons to help the man who broke her heart.
The Venturi Effect is a slow-building, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, secrets, romance, dark pasts, suspenseful twists and turns, and enough tension and drama that will keep the reader thoroughly engaged and riveted until the surprising conclusion. The reader is taken on one hell of a roller coaster ride as they follow Devlin as she is determined to overcome her past courtroom demons in order to pursue the exoneration of brothers Xavier and Nils Bryson from the aggressive and obsessed pursuit of justice by the US Assistant Attorey Xavier Charles. The reader will love the drama of the sailing adventure to St. Kitts that Devlin and crew embarked on, as well as the unfolding tense and dramatic legal procedure of the federal tax fraud case brought against the Bryson brothers. I loved getting to know all of the characters' secrets and pasts, and how it all tied them together, but I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I did not like Xavier, I thought he was a blood-thirsty and pompous jerk, who needed to be taken down a peg or two. I loved how the story unfolded, but I have to admit that I am a sucker for legal procedure, and the way that the author drew the reader in as the court case unfolded was phenomenal, it couldn't get any better than that! I look forward to reading about Devlin and Nil's next adventure in The Cult Of Mammon.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then I would highly recommend reading The Venrturi Effect, and stayed tuned as Devlin and the Bryson brothers return in The Cult Of Mammon, that will be published in 2021 !
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
For the past two years, ex-Chicago based attorney Devlin Winters has been seeking solitude living on a sailboat, and working as a boardwalk carny barker on the Galveston Bay Gulf Coast of Texas. She had once been on the fast-track to becoming the youngest partner at Sondhein Baker, but the long hours and fast pace took an emotional toll on her, leaving her burned out and with a suspended license after a physical encounter with her client during a federal fraud trial. Her stress-free life takes a turn when an old friend from her past unexpectedly arrives seeking her help.
Viggo and Nils Bryson grew up with Devlin in Chicago, but they haven't seen each other in years. Viggo is the owner of Blue Tide, LLC, a company that provides insurance policies. He has been accused of federal tax fraud against the IRS, and has sent his nine year old son Grant to stay with his younger brother Nils, a yacht broker in Kemah, Texas.
Devlin is surprised when Nils and Grant come up to her boardwalk game, neither knew that they both live in the same town, and Nils' unexpected appearance brings their shared past back to the surface. Nils asks Devlin to help Viggo's defense team prepare for the fraud case, and when Nils is targeted as a secondary defendant, Devlin has to overcome her courtroom and personal demons to help the man who broke her heart.
The Venturi Effect is a slow-building, multi-layered, gripping, and complex story that has a great mixture of intrigue, secrets, romance, dark pasts, suspenseful twists and turns, and enough tension and drama that will keep the reader thoroughly engaged and riveted until the surprising conclusion. The reader is taken on one hell of a roller coaster ride as they follow Devlin as she is determined to overcome her past courtroom demons in order to pursue the exoneration of brothers Xavier and Nils Bryson from the aggressive and obsessed pursuit of justice by the US Assistant Attorey Xavier Charles. The reader will love the drama of the sailing adventure to St. Kitts that Devlin and crew embarked on, as well as the unfolding tense and dramatic legal procedure of the federal tax fraud case brought against the Bryson brothers. I loved getting to know all of the characters' secrets and pasts, and how it all tied them together, but I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I did not like Xavier, I thought he was a blood-thirsty and pompous jerk, who needed to be taken down a peg or two. I loved how the story unfolded, but I have to admit that I am a sucker for legal procedure, and the way that the author drew the reader in as the court case unfolded was phenomenal, it couldn't get any better than that! I look forward to reading about Devlin and Nil's next adventure in The Cult Of Mammon.
If you are a fan of legal thrillers, then I would highly recommend reading The Venrturi Effect, and stayed tuned as Devlin and the Bryson brothers return in The Cult Of Mammon, that will be published in 2021 !
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
December 5, 2020
The Venturi effect
Can a suspended criminal attorney go up against a powerful prosecutor who wants to take down a man indicted for tax fraud and money laundering and more? Living on a boat,working as carny, Devlin Winters just wants to live a peaceful life until Nils Bryson along with his 9 year old nephew Grant changes it all. His ex-wife might hold the documents to get him out of jail only if he gives her Grant. Blackmail, silent threats and a nine year old child as the pawn or the prize. He has no idea about his mother and his uncle has to deal with the lawyers as the author allows us to know that the prosecutor has a past relationship with the clients ex- wife.
Battles are fought but Xavier Charles has his own way of preparing for trial and with the hero of agent Carter why seems dependable and trying to be though is helping to delve into Viggio Bryson’s life and has even managed to get hold of his taped phone conversations in prison. But when talking to his own mother she reveals a call she was told to relay to him, we learn about a major conflict that if leaked would change it all for him. Charles meets with agent Carter and silently criticized her movements, her attitude, attire and dislikes her enthusiasm. She’s delving into every aspect of Nils’s businesses and the company he owns. She trying to find out more about his financial standing and how he managed to filter clients in Monique’s business to help the environment.
Events take on different turns when both the prosecutor and the defense decide to take a trip to St.Kitts to find Monique. Exactly what is her company and just how does Viggio come into play in it? Is he sending her clients and just what does he gain. Threats are on the table and she wants custody of Grant and if burying him in prison does it do be it according to her. Devlin meets her too even though she’s signed an immunity agreement with Xavier and Agent Carter. A meeting that is quite interesting and yet more than frustrating for Devlin as the prosecutor has filed an indictment against Nils as part of the fraud aimed and his brother. The pawn in the middle is Grant.
As Carter and Charles develop a more personal relationship will that cloud her judgement processing information about the case and how to proceed. Devlin realizes that Monique is going to side with the government and relayed that to the defense attorney. But remaining in St.Kitts she wants to learn more about SK and N plus Monique and Viggio.
A trial that would be memorable and a witness that would change the direction of the outcome. SK and N is the company in question and supposedly they provided tax shelters or money laundering. The company spends a couple of grand a year here and there and gets local press but never really does anything related to diving and marine conservation.
The one witness for the prosecution decided to turn it
around and stated that that she fabricated return of premium rides and misappropriation of Blue Tide Funds to pay her investors in SK and N . Within chestier 37 the author details the exact way this was done and the truth behind Blue Tide.
Using her experience as a criminal defense lawyer and through Devlin the author creates dramatic courtroom scenes right out of Law and Order. The verdict and final results will shock readers and where this takes both defendants you won’t believe but is it truly over?
There is much more in store for Devlin , Nils,Xavier and the rest of the cast when she pens The cult of Mammon the sequel. Devlin is an interesting character and the Bryson brothers opposites in many ways but watch out Xavier Charles is not one to take for granted.
Fran Lewis just reviews
Can a suspended criminal attorney go up against a powerful prosecutor who wants to take down a man indicted for tax fraud and money laundering and more? Living on a boat,working as carny, Devlin Winters just wants to live a peaceful life until Nils Bryson along with his 9 year old nephew Grant changes it all. His ex-wife might hold the documents to get him out of jail only if he gives her Grant. Blackmail, silent threats and a nine year old child as the pawn or the prize. He has no idea about his mother and his uncle has to deal with the lawyers as the author allows us to know that the prosecutor has a past relationship with the clients ex- wife.
Battles are fought but Xavier Charles has his own way of preparing for trial and with the hero of agent Carter why seems dependable and trying to be though is helping to delve into Viggio Bryson’s life and has even managed to get hold of his taped phone conversations in prison. But when talking to his own mother she reveals a call she was told to relay to him, we learn about a major conflict that if leaked would change it all for him. Charles meets with agent Carter and silently criticized her movements, her attitude, attire and dislikes her enthusiasm. She’s delving into every aspect of Nils’s businesses and the company he owns. She trying to find out more about his financial standing and how he managed to filter clients in Monique’s business to help the environment.
Events take on different turns when both the prosecutor and the defense decide to take a trip to St.Kitts to find Monique. Exactly what is her company and just how does Viggio come into play in it? Is he sending her clients and just what does he gain. Threats are on the table and she wants custody of Grant and if burying him in prison does it do be it according to her. Devlin meets her too even though she’s signed an immunity agreement with Xavier and Agent Carter. A meeting that is quite interesting and yet more than frustrating for Devlin as the prosecutor has filed an indictment against Nils as part of the fraud aimed and his brother. The pawn in the middle is Grant.
As Carter and Charles develop a more personal relationship will that cloud her judgement processing information about the case and how to proceed. Devlin realizes that Monique is going to side with the government and relayed that to the defense attorney. But remaining in St.Kitts she wants to learn more about SK and N plus Monique and Viggio.
A trial that would be memorable and a witness that would change the direction of the outcome. SK and N is the company in question and supposedly they provided tax shelters or money laundering. The company spends a couple of grand a year here and there and gets local press but never really does anything related to diving and marine conservation.
The one witness for the prosecution decided to turn it
around and stated that that she fabricated return of premium rides and misappropriation of Blue Tide Funds to pay her investors in SK and N . Within chestier 37 the author details the exact way this was done and the truth behind Blue Tide.
Using her experience as a criminal defense lawyer and through Devlin the author creates dramatic courtroom scenes right out of Law and Order. The verdict and final results will shock readers and where this takes both defendants you won’t believe but is it truly over?
There is much more in store for Devlin , Nils,Xavier and the rest of the cast when she pens The cult of Mammon the sequel. Devlin is an interesting character and the Bryson brothers opposites in many ways but watch out Xavier Charles is not one to take for granted.
Fran Lewis just reviews
December 15, 2020
Full of twists and turns, it takes a few pages to determine who the good guys are… or if there are any.
Viggo Bryson has been arrested for tax fraud and his younger brother, Nils has been pulled into service to take care of his eight-year-old nephew.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier Charles is determined to send the brothers to federal prison with the testimony of Viggo’s ex-wife. The oh-so-pious counselor reminded me of Frollo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame… so upright, righteous, and better than anyone else. Until I learned Xavier was hiding secrets from his past that could get him thrown off the Bryson case.
Caught up in the drama is Devlin Winters, a childhood friend of the brothers and Nils’ ex. She’s also a disbarred attorney who’d had the life she’d worked for, including a partnership in a prestigious law firm, when the pressure of staying on top became too much. Her meltdown culminated in Devlin punching her client in open court during his trial. Not a good look for any attorney, but definitely a deal-breaker when the client is a former governor.
I was on Team Devlin from that point on.
She’s a great protagonist. There are fleeting moments when she misses her expensive lifestyle, but she doesn’t miss the courtroom and is content to be a carny in the coastal town of Galveston, Texas, and live on her boat. She’s very straightforward and matter-of-fact, never dancing around the truth. That is until Nils shows up with his nephew in tow and she has to deal with another part of her past she’d rather not.
Agreeing to look over legal documents from Viggo’s attorney pulls Devlin in deeper, and though she’s not a fan of the older Bryson brother, something feels off about the case.
Her investigation will lead her to the island of St. Kitts, back into the courtroom, and the possibility of a second chance at love.
A wild plot twist near the end left me grinning! What. Just. Happened? NICE!
Looking forward to another adventure and more fun banter with Devlin and company in book two!
Enjoy!
Viggo Bryson has been arrested for tax fraud and his younger brother, Nils has been pulled into service to take care of his eight-year-old nephew.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Xavier Charles is determined to send the brothers to federal prison with the testimony of Viggo’s ex-wife. The oh-so-pious counselor reminded me of Frollo from the Hunchback of Notre Dame… so upright, righteous, and better than anyone else. Until I learned Xavier was hiding secrets from his past that could get him thrown off the Bryson case.
Caught up in the drama is Devlin Winters, a childhood friend of the brothers and Nils’ ex. She’s also a disbarred attorney who’d had the life she’d worked for, including a partnership in a prestigious law firm, when the pressure of staying on top became too much. Her meltdown culminated in Devlin punching her client in open court during his trial. Not a good look for any attorney, but definitely a deal-breaker when the client is a former governor.
I was on Team Devlin from that point on.
She’s a great protagonist. There are fleeting moments when she misses her expensive lifestyle, but she doesn’t miss the courtroom and is content to be a carny in the coastal town of Galveston, Texas, and live on her boat. She’s very straightforward and matter-of-fact, never dancing around the truth. That is until Nils shows up with his nephew in tow and she has to deal with another part of her past she’d rather not.
Agreeing to look over legal documents from Viggo’s attorney pulls Devlin in deeper, and though she’s not a fan of the older Bryson brother, something feels off about the case.
Her investigation will lead her to the island of St. Kitts, back into the courtroom, and the possibility of a second chance at love.
A wild plot twist near the end left me grinning! What. Just. Happened? NICE!
Looking forward to another adventure and more fun banter with Devlin and company in book two!
Enjoy!
February 11, 2021
When you finish this suspenseful novel, you will have to ask yourself, who, among the colorful cast, are the good guys? The trial-weary drop-out lawyer, her barely-making-it yacht broker/old boyfriend? His ambitious, scheming entrepreneurial brother? The obsessive Assistant US prosecutor and his side kick? The only one you can be sure of is the innocent, thrown-to-the wind nine year old and maybe the two cats.
Author Sage Webb’s background as a criminal defense lawyer and experiences as a sailor and cruiser combine in this legal fiction moving from the boating community of Galveston Bay, Texas to the harbors of St. Kitts. As the title suggests, the plot unfolds, the channels narrow, the wind picks up and not everyone is prepared.
For this non-lawyer reader, parts of the legal arguments left me behind, but this did not interfere with my overall enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this novel for both readers of legal fiction and sailors alike.
Author Sage Webb’s background as a criminal defense lawyer and experiences as a sailor and cruiser combine in this legal fiction moving from the boating community of Galveston Bay, Texas to the harbors of St. Kitts. As the title suggests, the plot unfolds, the channels narrow, the wind picks up and not everyone is prepared.
For this non-lawyer reader, parts of the legal arguments left me behind, but this did not interfere with my overall enjoyment of the story. I highly recommend this novel for both readers of legal fiction and sailors alike.
November 19, 2020
Fantastic Pace, with Memorable Characters
Sage Webb’s second novel is as intriguing as her first, making legal procedure accessible through a fast-paced plot and characters that resemble the more illustrious people we’ve encountered at least once in our lives. The dialogue is crisp, and tension culminates in a way that has you thinking you’re grasping for stability on a storm-tossed boat, or digging your fingernails into sweaty palms within a courtroom’s uncertain austerity. I am pleased to learn this is just the first book in a series, and I look forward to future installments. The Venturi Effect commands your evenings’ attention, and I recommend it to anyone wanting suspense, lush scenery, and a good handful of laughs.
Sage Webb’s second novel is as intriguing as her first, making legal procedure accessible through a fast-paced plot and characters that resemble the more illustrious people we’ve encountered at least once in our lives. The dialogue is crisp, and tension culminates in a way that has you thinking you’re grasping for stability on a storm-tossed boat, or digging your fingernails into sweaty palms within a courtroom’s uncertain austerity. I am pleased to learn this is just the first book in a series, and I look forward to future installments. The Venturi Effect commands your evenings’ attention, and I recommend it to anyone wanting suspense, lush scenery, and a good handful of laughs.
January 3, 2021
Worth a read. This is a John-Grisham-during-his-Camino-Island-period novel told from a female perspective.
August 15, 2022
I love the characters in this book and enjoyed their journey. Sage Webb portrays real people, with all their emotions, faults, hopes and dreams.
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