First Degree

Cass Leary Legal Thriller #7

by Robin James

This lawyer is her client’s last hope, and her town’s worst nightmare.

When a popular cheerleader winds up dead in a ditch, the case lands in defense attorney Cass Leary’s own backyard. Her niece’s boyfriend Cole is charged with first degree murder and the whole Leary family jumps to his defense. The evidence against him is as thin as the ice on Finn Lake. But an overzealous prosecutor and a rookie detective seem determined to see Cole go down for this no matter what.

Just as she’s about to crack the case, new evidence emerges that convinces Cass her client’s being framed. Cass’s dogged determination to defend him could upend the police department and ruin careers. But if she doesn’t uncover the truth, the real killer could strike again.

Can Cass bust open this conspiracy before another innocent girl dies?

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

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2020

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 4 out of 5]

Title: ➳ First Degree
Series ➳Cass Leary Legal Thriller 7#
Author: ➳ Robin James
Publication: ➳ November 26th 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


ღ Cass Leary doesn’t usually win points in Delphi for being Joseph Leary’s daughter. Her dad was an Olympic-caliber drunk.

Cass has a knack for taking on cases the citizens of Delphi hold against her. But this was her niece’s boyfriend we were talking about.
Robin James kept me up yet again with the book 7 of Cass Leary legal thriller. This masterpiece of words was very believable
The author has written a very interesting story about how a lawyer is able to defend her client accused of murder. The kicker to this one you’ll truly love
A lot of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and entertained all the way to the very end, & what ending that was !

I’m looking to see what next with Cass’s story
Reading Order
1. Burden of Truth
2. Silent Witness
3. Devil's Bargain
4. Stolen Justice
5- Blood Evidence
6- Imminent Harmღ
7- First Degree ღ
8- Mercy Kill May 28, 2021

➦📚 Hope you enjoy this read & also always keep in mind this is just my opinion 💕 💕 Also I wouldn’t discourage anyone from reading it.

➦ Disclosure:I received an ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review of it. 💕
💕 . .** This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review..* **

Happy Reading ------Enjoy - Paulette Review ❤💕 💕

[Flor · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is fantastic and if you read my reviews it isn't my usual jam but Cass Leary and her cases keep on getting better and better. Cass has a lot to deal with in this book especially regarding her family. Her niece's boyfriend has been arrested for first degree murder but did he really do it?

The evidence speaks against him but there is also enough reasonable doubt so why go to trial? It is a cat and mouse game and in the end it isn't who was right but who was better. The book is suspenseful and there is too much drama. But still good.

Christ on a cracker that was bloody unexpected and no way did I see that coming.

I need some clarification on what Erik is going to do with his current situation, I have an inkling.

Read this series it is fantastic.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

5.0 stars. WOW!! Best one yet! There's a reason this series has such steady great ratings. I'm so thrilled there are more books ahead. If you like legal thrillers you've got to try this series. You won't be disappointed.

[Randi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author and this latest installment was so good. I love Cass and this book kept me guessing and surprised until the very end. So good!!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crazy Ending!

What a twist to the ending!! I never saw any of that coming! Sure was rooting for a different ending but this author never disappoints.

[Frances Reed · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve read books 1-6 so far and have thoroughly enjoyed every one of them. But honestly? The storyline on this one made me thoroughly uncomfortable and so I skipped to the end to see if I was right about where she was going with this one. And I was. I’m sure it’s just me. I set this one aside and I’m starting on book #8, Mercy Kills. Love the series as a whole, along with the characters. Just something about this one. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[Lana Abbott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m enjoying this suspense series very much and it’s great to follow the Leary family through their adventures. So much bad luck for one family, though. A very unexpected twist in the last 40 minutes of the story.

[Nicole Beyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 These go so fast for me! This series engages me from the get-go

[Brenda Sackman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

I had a hard time putting this book down. Can't wait for the next adventure of Cass Leary. I enjoy reading books by Robin James not only because they are well written but I can relate to the areas she writes about. Males it kind of easy to visualize the scenerio.

[Joyce Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I have read all the books published so far both Cass and Mara and have yet to be disappointed. Just when I think I have the story figured out you totally blow my mind.Without a doubt you are one of the best story tellers I have ever had the pleasure of reading I have already ordered your next 2 books and can't hardly wait .All I can say is thank you and keep them coming.

[Gene Metz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my seventh read of this author and lead character and matched the first six in quality. The plot mover very fast and the ending was exceptional. I highly recommend it.

[S A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!! I love this series! Can’t wait for the next book!

[Shelley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Explosive story 🧨

Wow, Cass is yet again taking on a case that hits close to home - this time her niece’s boyfriend is arrested for murder but nothing’s adding up❣️This story quite literally flew by on the pages and had me so enraptured with the trial that when Robin threw in a couple of red herrings, I can honestly proclaim to be shocked right down to my bones😱

If I could give this author and series 10 Stars I would, as her work is nothing short of phenomenal🤩 I cannot wait for the next Cass Leary book😍 I received an advanced copy and I willingly leave my honest review❤️

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of suspense, but I hate it when I am wrong. I cannot believe that Cole could fool so many people. I understand why he became a psychopath, but I don’t believe that he could completely fool every teacher and counselor in a small town. No one is that good an actor….Ted Bundy had years to hone his craft. At any rate, this one had some really bizarre twists.

[Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have previously complained that this series did not include enough courtroom action to keep me interested. It feels as if the author read my complaints and took steps to solve them in this book. If you read this, you'll get all the courtroom action you can stand and more. I enjoyed the book overall, and the ending was mind bending, to say the least. It was not the kind of ending I expected!

Cass has some decisions to make as the book opens. She is on the cusp of accepting a judgeship, and yet something pulls her back to the courtroom and the drama that seems to always follow her around. In this instance, they find a cheerleader half naked and dead in a ditch on a Michigan fall day. The girl had been to a party the night before, and that was the last anyone saw her alive. Cole was there also. He is the boyfriend of Cass's niece. He may have been the last person to see the girl alive, and plenty of witnesses saw them arguing. He so vehemently insists he didn't kill her that cast believes him. She takes the case. Not long after she commits to representing the young man, the cops find a pair of underpants belonging to the dead girl with his semen in the pants. It looks like a nice cut-and-dried case to the prosecutor and the rookie female detective who caught the case. But by the time Cass finishes, she has poked many a hole in the prosecution's case, and there is plenty of room for reasonable doubt.

The audio quality is ok but not great. It sounds like they used a cheap 20-dollar microphone from staples. You heard people on a Zoom call who used cheap microphones, and that's a lot how this narrator sounded. It wasn't a deal breaker. The plot is extremely compelling, and it kept me up long into the night. This may be the best book in the series so far.

[R.E. E. Derouin · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Degree by Robin James 7/25/2022 Kindle

I find myself picking up Cass Leary legal mysteries in between other more engaging reading. It’s not that I find them exceptional in any way, but I’m familiar enough with the setting, characters, and relationships to make for easy reading. This story in number seven.

When the body of a popular cheerleader winds up dead in a ditch, the case is taken on by defense attorney Cass Leary because the suspect is close to her family. Her niece’s boyfriend Cole is charged with first degree murder and the whole Leary family jumps to his defense. The evidence against Cole is as thin as the ice on Finn Lake. However, an overzealous prosecutor and a rookie detective seem determined to see Cole go down for this no matter what.

I had more trouble with other books in this quick-read series. First off, there didn’t seem to be near enough evidence to charge Cole. Then later, after he is arrested, more clues are too conveniently found. Nor did I like the illogical ending. However, I’ll hope for the best and continue with this series.

[Jacob Peled · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my 7th book in the series that I’ve read. I gave the first 4 books, 5 stars, the fifth got a 4 stars, and the 6th only 3.
After finishing the 7th book, I can honestly say I found it boring. Everything is predictable, including the so-called “surprise” at the end.
The plot feels as if it was generated by an AI engine. It is so formulaic and standard that it gave me the sense I had already read this exact story dozens of times in books by other authors.
There are no twists whatsoever. More than half the book is devoted to courtroom discussions and transcripts, which themselves offer no surprises, just repetitive questioning about events that were already fully described in the first part of the book.
I rated this book at 1.5 star. I only managed to finish it by skimming roughly 10% of each page, without feeling that I missed anything of substance. I’m giving it two stars solely because I reached the end. I usually give 1 star only to books that I abandoned in the middle.

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh wow that’s all I can say. Read this book 📕 you won’t be disappointed.

Once again Cass is back in action doing what she does best, fighting for underdog. This time it is complicated. Family is involved so to speak. Her niece’s boyfriend Cole is accused of murder. How does it play out. Lauren was a long time friend turned girlfriend for a short period. Things didn’t last long they broke up.
As things in Lauren’s life didn’t go as planned, turned town scholarship to a college out of state… Regrets of the breakup with Cole.
Now after a town party at a local hang out the following morning Lauren is no where to be found.
What happened to her??? Was she kidnapped, did she take off after her regrets came to fruition, was she killed????
The only way to answer these questions is to keep reading and find out what really happens!!!

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have now read all 7 of the Cass Leary series, and the two Mara Brent series, and this is the best of the lot.



I didn't see the twist coming until right before the reveal. but once Cole's mum turned up at Cass's and started on about how he was dangerous it just clicked. Too much book left for her to attack Cass. To many references to "he" or "him" without mentioning her husband.

As much as I did like the book, I didn't really like the end. No need to kill off Cole, and very much out of Character for Cass to stage the scene to suggest self defense. If you are going to kill him off, do it before Cass arrives, no witnesses other than Emma, so the reader doesn't know the truth, and there is book 8, defending her brother.

I guess the author wanted Cass to have a reason in her own head for why she was not taking the judgeship. No way she can sit in judgement of others now, after that, but she could have turned it down "This Time" because she needs to defend Joe

[Judi Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 7th in the series about Defense Attorney Cass Leary. This one hits close to home, as the boyfriend of her neice, has just been arrested for murder.

Her neice's boyfriend, Cole, has been accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend who he had broken up with several months earlier. He was now dating, Emma. Now Cass has to make the decision to get involved in this case. She also is on the short list for becoming a judge!

She decides to take the Cass because she feels that Cole is innocent and she finds out what kind of life Cole has lived. His father beats him and his mother up all the time.

Of course, Eric is still the Police Chief and they are still dating. I always love reading about Cass' family and how she uncovers the truth in her cases. Love the courtroom drama.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

First Degree is the seventh 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…

[Tina Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed me from the first page...

We always know who Cass will be defending very early in the book. This one was no different and just as thrilling as any others. Lauren Rice is murdered, and a young prosecutor who is taking over after the death of Jack Leforge died is trying to make a name for himself. Cass keeps the justice system fair by keeping the prosecution on it's toes. A man missing, A young man arrested for her murder, and Cass needs to figure this out. Such a twist right at the ending, and was unexpected until the pieces fall together to create such an intricately woven tale!

[Ray Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant series!

I loved all seven Cass Leary novels and can hardly wait for the 8th. Stories are all riveting and the main characters are 4 Irish Catholic siblings in a small southern Michigan town where their last name is synonymous with “white trash”. Cass, a tough criminal defense attorney best known for championing “lost causes” is also fiercely protective of her three siblings and their children. Loads of courtroom drama and wildly unexpected twists and turns will keep you turning pages until there are none left!

[Gary Gallucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific story with some unexpected twists and turns in the ongoing Cass Leary saga. Lawyer Cass typically has a docket full of clients, but her family members often find themselves among those clients. This time it's niece Emma's boyfriend Cole being accused of murdering his previous girlfriend. Cole swears his innocence, but once again the evidence is stacked against him. But Cass never says never and keeps plugging away to get at the truth. Very enjoyable, right up to the surprise ending.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up. Is it my imagination or is the editing for this series getting worse by the book? In one scene alone, there are about seven uses of "I smiled," and it's punctuated incorrectly about half the time with the dialogue.

The author is a good enough storyteller, and I'm invested enough in the characters, to keep me reading. But man, the editing is distracting. Especially since the sister-in-law's name keeps changing how it's spelled. (Katie but also Katy.)

[Clifton Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes books don’t end the way that you want. “First Degree” by Robin James is a legal thriller that lived up to the name. The story provided challenging personal relationships, an accused murderer on trial for the brutal death of a young girl, an overly ambitious district attorney, and an ending that I didn’t expect. Of course, life is full of unexpected endings, and maybe that is why I like this author. (362 pages)

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another entertaining read by Robin James. The author really needs a different editor. I know this is nitpicking, but …. At least three times, the author mentions someone going to the bank on Monday, September 3rd, Labor Day, to clean out their bank account. Banks are CLOSED on Labor Day!
At the height of the conclusion, Cass regrets leaving her phone upstairs. Then a few minutes later , she’s hiding it under the table!

[Liza]

Page turner ending!

Another great book by Robin. Loved it. Although I wasnt thrilled about the ending. I feel like my family was hurt. Robin's writing takes you in as if you're part of the family in the book. So down to earth typical American family trying to get by in life. Loved the book and the series. Can't wait for book 8.

[David Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating plot

I'm really enjoying these Robin James books.
This may be the best plot yet.
The other series with the Mara character are also enjoyable but don't have the depth of background regarding the set of characters in the series so it isn't as easy to lose oneself in the book.