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Judge, Jury, & Executioner #11
Deception
Lies & deceit leading to a domino of crimes.
The Trans-Pacific Task Force is getting ready to deploy but they don’t have what they need. Someone’s been skimming. A contract won through mistruths. Incomplete payments limiting the army’s readiness.
Colonel Marcie Walton is angry and calling anyone who will answer.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is on the job and thrown into the middle of two shooting wars.
Which way is up? Chaz and Dennicron explore a wider galaxy while Ankh and Floyd get some prime time. Rivka drops the gavel and delivers the judgments.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
The Trans-Pacific Task Force is getting ready to deploy but they don’t have what they need. Someone’s been skimming. A contract won through mistruths. Incomplete payments limiting the army’s readiness.
Colonel Marcie Walton is angry and calling anyone who will answer.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is on the job and thrown into the middle of two shooting wars.
Which way is up? Chaz and Dennicron explore a wider galaxy while Ankh and Floyd get some prime time. Rivka drops the gavel and delivers the judgments.
Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy.
- GenresScience Fiction
369 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2021
142 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
Craig Martelle
329 books7,887 followersVisit Craig's web page, craigmartelle.com for the latest posts and updates or find him on Facebook, Author Craig Martelle. Send an email to craig@craigmartelle.com to join his mailing list for the latest on new releases, information on old releases, and anything related to his books.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
I see my other lives, a career in the Marines, those damn hand-written tests in law school, a business consultant, as if they're stories from a book. I see my books as if I lived there, as if I were friends with the characters. All things we remember are behind us, only those we imagine lie before.
I'm not sure which place I prefer, but I don't have to choose. They live together in my mind. My books have some award nominations, they have bestseller tags across multiple countries. I write about justice, honor, and loyalty because that's what I care about. My stories are mostly set within worlds that haven't been, but could be. We have to be ready for when those times come.
No matter where I went, I always had a book with me. Thanks to 21st Century technology, I now have hundreds of books loaded on my phone and always with me. This breakthrough allows me to binge read my favorites. How many books would I have read on deployments had I not had to have a physical book with me? I paced myself so I wouldn't finish too quickly.
We aren't encumbered like that now. I love the works of Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, JRR Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and so many more. I have been compared to Andre Norton and that is humbling - she was an incredible author with a huge list of novels to her credit. With every new book, I aspire to live up to those that you, the readers, have compared me to.
Through a bizarre series of events, I ended up in Fairbanks, Alaska. I never expected to retire to a place where golf courses are only open for four months out of the year. But that's the way it is. It is off the beaten path. My wife and I get to watch the northern lights from our driveway. Our dog has lots of room to run. And temperatures reach fifty below zero. We have from three and a half hours of daylight in the winter to twenty-four hours in the summer.
It's all part of the give and take of life. If we didn't have those extremes, then everyone would live in the sub-arctic.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 25, 2022
Wow!
These books just keep on getting better!
This has got to be the best one, so far, with Rivka being asked to submit a new thing for the Federation: the Laws of War, and to do so in a way which will impact any or all who go for war, instead of trying to talk over their problems, and just how it impacts all of those involved!
I felt so sorry for Marcie and Kae, going on a mission to stop a war, for the second time without the correct info - but, for a change, it was Rivka who lent them a helping hand!
How Rivka manages to keep sane after delving into the minds of those who have no inhibitions, as far as keeping to the Law, I don't know - but I'm sure it's because of the people that she surrounds herself with.
All in all, this was a really excellent read - in fact, it was so good, I could barely drag myself away from it, even with my daughter turning up for a visit - but then, I brought her up to be almost as much of a bookworm as I am, so that wasn't much of a problem! Lol
Fortunately, I don't even need to look at my reading list this time, as I know that the next book to read, will be with this same series, thankfully, and is book twelve, Blood Trade.
So, now that my daughter has gone back to her own home, I'm going to settle into bed, and drop straight back into my favourite place to be: the Kurtherian Universe!
These books just keep on getting better!
This has got to be the best one, so far, with Rivka being asked to submit a new thing for the Federation: the Laws of War, and to do so in a way which will impact any or all who go for war, instead of trying to talk over their problems, and just how it impacts all of those involved!
I felt so sorry for Marcie and Kae, going on a mission to stop a war, for the second time without the correct info - but, for a change, it was Rivka who lent them a helping hand!
How Rivka manages to keep sane after delving into the minds of those who have no inhibitions, as far as keeping to the Law, I don't know - but I'm sure it's because of the people that she surrounds herself with.
All in all, this was a really excellent read - in fact, it was so good, I could barely drag myself away from it, even with my daughter turning up for a visit - but then, I brought her up to be almost as much of a bookworm as I am, so that wasn't much of a problem! Lol
Fortunately, I don't even need to look at my reading list this time, as I know that the next book to read, will be with this same series, thankfully, and is book twelve, Blood Trade.
So, now that my daughter has gone back to her own home, I'm going to settle into bed, and drop straight back into my favourite place to be: the Kurtherian Universe!
September 14, 2021
Book 11 of this series has one member of the group stay on a space station for a while to help some children. Chaz and Dennicon now have physical bodies that they are housed in.
There's a place they need to go and so they get to the planet, open the ship's door and immediately get shot at. Now a nice welcome. Someone has been skimming funds, a group needs to be armed before they go to another planet on a mission and Lindy is pregnant. An interesting setup for a rather interesting story.
Ankh gets arrested, there's a war on another planet, there's a couple of weddings, there are lots and lots of spaceships and Rivka and group have to sort out the entire mess – legally.
This is where the crux of the entire series is based., Yes, Rivka and group do seem to get fired at quite often and yes, she has the authority to kill truly bad people, but the first thought she has is can she settle whatever problem there is by using the law rather than by using force.
It's an actual civilized approach to things; talk first and use violence only as a last resort. Something which present-day humans could profit from.
There's a place they need to go and so they get to the planet, open the ship's door and immediately get shot at. Now a nice welcome. Someone has been skimming funds, a group needs to be armed before they go to another planet on a mission and Lindy is pregnant. An interesting setup for a rather interesting story.
Ankh gets arrested, there's a war on another planet, there's a couple of weddings, there are lots and lots of spaceships and Rivka and group have to sort out the entire mess – legally.
This is where the crux of the entire series is based., Yes, Rivka and group do seem to get fired at quite often and yes, she has the authority to kill truly bad people, but the first thought she has is can she settle whatever problem there is by using the law rather than by using force.
It's an actual civilized approach to things; talk first and use violence only as a last resort. Something which present-day humans could profit from.
January 31, 2021
Another crisis averted.
I enjoy these books. The mixture of procedural, science fiction and legal thriller appeals to me in many ways. I like that the characters succeed by out thinking the enemy. Rivkah and her band of misfits take on the problems of a high tech society with creativity and style. Some times she punches her way out of the problem,sometimes she litigates her way through to the resolution. The backdrop of the Kurtherian universe provides a interesting and predictable backstop to the creativity of the author in plotting these books. Having a stable of interesting characters and back stories to draw from makes these books more interesting and enjoyable for me. I hope the Wyatt Earp gangs rides again for many,many more stories.
I enjoy these books. The mixture of procedural, science fiction and legal thriller appeals to me in many ways. I like that the characters succeed by out thinking the enemy. Rivkah and her band of misfits take on the problems of a high tech society with creativity and style. Some times she punches her way out of the problem,sometimes she litigates her way through to the resolution. The backdrop of the Kurtherian universe provides a interesting and predictable backstop to the creativity of the author in plotting these books. Having a stable of interesting characters and back stories to draw from makes these books more interesting and enjoyable for me. I hope the Wyatt Earp gangs rides again for many,many more stories.
February 11, 2021
Belzonian hair solution, pirates & Magistrates in training...
So many creative solutions to recurring problems! The Singularity gets stronger, the pirates get weaker, & the Magistrate - she & her crew are beloved by almost all who know her & them. Their adventures are exciting, titallating, & maddening but that's how the Magistrate rolls. Get your bets in now for swearing, first blood, etc to the Crenellian or lose out. Read the book to see who wins, & whether they get all the enchiladas! Or pizza from All Guns Blazing. Anyone for moonstokle pie? Another excellent example of how the Law serves us All.
So many creative solutions to recurring problems! The Singularity gets stronger, the pirates get weaker, & the Magistrate - she & her crew are beloved by almost all who know her & them. Their adventures are exciting, titallating, & maddening but that's how the Magistrate rolls. Get your bets in now for swearing, first blood, etc to the Crenellian or lose out. Read the book to see who wins, & whether they get all the enchiladas! Or pizza from All Guns Blazing. Anyone for moonstokle pie? Another excellent example of how the Law serves us All.
February 7, 2021
One of the reviewers complained about the introduction of babies and families. What he failed to perceive is the fact nothing would ever evolve without family, whether it be blood or a very tight group of people. This story was as good as any of the others, perhaps it even "raised the bar" a bit. The characters are very believable, the plot was straight forward and easily followed and the ending most satisfactory. I highly recommend this book as well as the other ten books in the series.
February 18, 2021
Great series
I've been reading this series since the beginning and I've loved every book. This one though was the best yet, showing us what the singularity sees and how they work was just amazing to me and I hope we see a lot more of it.
This author has quite a few series written and I've liked all of them and that's unusual for me, Craig is becoming one of my favorite authors and with the amount that I read that's saying a lot.
I've been reading this series since the beginning and I've loved every book. This one though was the best yet, showing us what the singularity sees and how they work was just amazing to me and I hope we see a lot more of it.
This author has quite a few series written and I've liked all of them and that's unusual for me, Craig is becoming one of my favorite authors and with the amount that I read that's saying a lot.
April 29, 2021
An Awesome Series
I have loved everything Craig has written, and Rivka is one of my favorite characters. Her crew, or her family, as she calls them are diverse and loyal. Mixing in some of my favorites from Bad Company gives me warm fuzzies even when they are kicking a$$.
This was a complex story that left you guessing until the end, and wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book already.
I have loved everything Craig has written, and Rivka is one of my favorite characters. Her crew, or her family, as she calls them are diverse and loyal. Mixing in some of my favorites from Bad Company gives me warm fuzzies even when they are kicking a$$.
This was a complex story that left you guessing until the end, and wanting more. I am looking forward to the next book already.
January 31, 2021
Well worth the wait
Really, really enjoyed this story. Rocks is at it again but this time with a more interesting caste of characters. There are lots of exciting things happening in this story so you must pay close attention. Craig definitely knows how to write a story and make the law funny, exciting, and interesting. Loved it!!!!!!!
Really, really enjoyed this story. Rocks is at it again but this time with a more interesting caste of characters. There are lots of exciting things happening in this story so you must pay close attention. Craig definitely knows how to write a story and make the law funny, exciting, and interesting. Loved it!!!!!!!
February 3, 2021
Well worth waiting for!
OMG! Where to begin? Terry and Char, Cory, Bad Company, Rivka, computers, weapons, fighting and more! This book has it all! Even though I usually involved in other books or series, I put them on hold every time a book in this series is released. They are that good!
OMG! Where to begin? Terry and Char, Cory, Bad Company, Rivka, computers, weapons, fighting and more! This book has it all! Even though I usually involved in other books or series, I put them on hold every time a book in this series is released. They are that good!
February 10, 2021
Another great read
Love this series, I am always sad to reach the end of the book.Well laced action, beloovd characters from this series as well as other books written by Mr. Martelle. He is one of my favorite authors,so her glad that I opened that first book so many books ago. Well worth your time.
Love this series, I am always sad to reach the end of the book.Well laced action, beloovd characters from this series as well as other books written by Mr. Martelle. He is one of my favorite authors,so her glad that I opened that first book so many books ago. Well worth your time.
February 16, 2021
Worth the wait, another excellent book in the series.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a fast-paced fun book to read. There was a multi layered storyline, and eclectic group of characters and a lot of action. If you read any books in this series you will enjoy this one. If you haven’t you should start, start at book one you will not be disappointed.
I enjoyed this book immensely. It was a fast-paced fun book to read. There was a multi layered storyline, and eclectic group of characters and a lot of action. If you read any books in this series you will enjoy this one. If you haven’t you should start, start at book one you will not be disappointed.
February 17, 2021
Another Successful & enjoyed read
Great work on this one as you feel even more of the family bonds than usual and the legalese weight feels very appropriate as well.
A bit more of the Bad company etc which is always like that extended family dinner/fight and a little bit of humour.
Great work on this one as you feel even more of the family bonds than usual and the legalese weight feels very appropriate as well.
A bit more of the Bad company etc which is always like that extended family dinner/fight and a little bit of humour.
February 21, 2021
Outstanding
Another great read from Mr. Martelle in the Kurtherian Universe. A complex and riveting story with unstable digital beings in the roles of villains, plenty of fighting (but not so much blood and running - fans of the series will understand) and visits from characters from prior books in the universe, I couldn’t put it down.
Another great read from Mr. Martelle in the Kurtherian Universe. A complex and riveting story with unstable digital beings in the roles of villains, plenty of fighting (but not so much blood and running - fans of the series will understand) and visits from characters from prior books in the universe, I couldn’t put it down.
March 19, 2021
Fun book in a fun series in an awesome universe
The characters alone would make this book worth reading, but when you add in the action, the universe building, etc then it ends up an addictive combination that once you start you just want more of. The only problem is each book eventually ends but you are left happy and wanting more. I recommend this book, series, and universe.
The characters alone would make this book worth reading, but when you add in the action, the universe building, etc then it ends up an addictive combination that once you start you just want more of. The only problem is each book eventually ends but you are left happy and wanting more. I recommend this book, series, and universe.
September 6, 2021
Magistrate Rivka Steps Up Again
It's not a good thing when you are the Magistrate and your credit for fuel is declined. It seems the coffers are bare. So how is it the taxes are allegedly paid. Well Rivka decides to find out and maybe stop a war along the way. I liked this book.
It's not a good thing when you are the Magistrate and your credit for fuel is declined. It seems the coffers are bare. So how is it the taxes are allegedly paid. Well Rivka decides to find out and maybe stop a war along the way. I liked this book.
January 29, 2021
Another brilliant telling of Rivka’s adventures with her crew. The high quality of story telling is sustained, and I don’t know how Craig continues to keep up the different storylines, whilst allowing the characters to grow and change. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this great series.
February 1, 2021
So GOOD!!
Rivka rocks your socks off!!!
Craig writes the funniest, most violent stories that really pull the emotions up while entertaining and making you remember what honor feels like.
Howard S (The S stands for Super Fan)
Rivka rocks your socks off!!!
Craig writes the funniest, most violent stories that really pull the emotions up while entertaining and making you remember what honor feels like.
Howard S (The S stands for Super Fan)
February 2, 2021
11 brilliant books in a row should get 11 stars
I really have to stop reading these books because EVERYTHING ELSE STOPS while I read them, earning a living, eating. sleeping, all that mundane stuff.
I really have to stop reading these books because EVERYTHING ELSE STOPS while I read them, earning a living, eating. sleeping, all that mundane stuff.
February 6, 2021
Weird lawyering
I"m a parent, and the more I read the Magistrate series, the more it looks like that Rivka Anoa is the only adult in the room, and she had to use the ultimate weaoon, "stop fighting or I'll sell all your toys!" 😆
I"m a parent, and the more I read the Magistrate series, the more it looks like that Rivka Anoa is the only adult in the room, and she had to use the ultimate weaoon, "stop fighting or I'll sell all your toys!" 😆
February 9, 2021
Great
Another great chapter in the Magistrate Rivka series. Rivka and company bounce across the galaxy on their latest case while Rivka is charged with writing new laws of war. What could possibly go wrong?
Another great chapter in the Magistrate Rivka series. Rivka and company bounce across the galaxy on their latest case while Rivka is charged with writing new laws of war. What could possibly go wrong?
February 9, 2021
J J and E # 11
My opinion is, This is the best Rivka book so far. The story feels like there’s more depth. With a involved use of the SI ‘s and a wider use of other characters. Read it and see if you agree.
My opinion is, This is the best Rivka book so far. The story feels like there’s more depth. With a involved use of the SI ‘s and a wider use of other characters. Read it and see if you agree.
February 9, 2021
May Justice continue
The whole series is wonderful and all is a must read. Ties to the Law and justice for all weather they are like you are not. One of the best series in your work. Please keep it up.
The whole series is wonderful and all is a must read. Ties to the Law and justice for all weather they are like you are not. One of the best series in your work. Please keep it up.
March 8, 2021
Another great book
The Rivka whirlwind is afoot. Another case, not a mission, is begun. The simple case balloons as usual leading back to the corruption of the Mandolin company. And the twisted trail leads to multiple worlds, even to Yoll itself. A great read.
The Rivka whirlwind is afoot. Another case, not a mission, is begun. The simple case balloons as usual leading back to the corruption of the Mandolin company. And the twisted trail leads to multiple worlds, even to Yoll itself. A great read.
April 1, 2021
Reread for the 2nd time
Been working myself through the entire Kutherian Universe....Rivka, her crew and their missions(Cases!!)continue to be my favorite. Looking forward to future volumes.
Been working myself through the entire Kutherian Universe....Rivka, her crew and their missions(Cases!!)continue to be my favorite. Looking forward to future volumes.
June 19, 2021
Old Home Week
This adventure brings old friends and, of course, new enemies. Or are they new enemies? Maybe old enemies undiscovered till now. Anyway you look at it, there is lots of action. Another great read. Enjoy
This adventure brings old friends and, of course, new enemies. Or are they new enemies? Maybe old enemies undiscovered till now. Anyway you look at it, there is lots of action. Another great read. Enjoy
September 23, 2023
another amazing read
One great story after another. The only surprise I received from this one was learning the approximate age of the FMC. I’m downloading the next book as soon as I hit submit on this.
One great story after another. The only surprise I received from this one was learning the approximate age of the FMC. I’m downloading the next book as soon as I hit submit on this.
January 28, 2021
Hmm. Wonder who and what that mysterious stranger is? Like this series a lot. Old friends from Bad Company too.
February 3, 2021
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Deception, the 11th book in the Space Opera Legal Thriller series
(Judge, Jury, Executioner), is a great addition to the series.
Deception, the 11th book in the Space Opera Legal Thriller series
(Judge, Jury, Executioner), is a great addition to the series.
February 5, 2021
Hahas aplenty...
Another entertaining addition to the series. The usual crew of motleys bouncing from disasters to crises enforcing order and calm as they go.
Another entertaining addition to the series. The usual crew of motleys bouncing from disasters to crises enforcing order and calm as they go.
February 7, 2021
Yes a great book
This is another great story by this author. A wonderful and entertaining story with characters and adventures to thrill readers of all ages. ENJOY!
This is another great story by this author. A wonderful and entertaining story with characters and adventures to thrill readers of all ages. ENJOY!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews