What do you think?
Rate this book
No Witness
When the American Dream becomes a nightmare...
Running a one-man law practice in the heart of Oregon's wine country, Cal Claxton hires a young, undocumented man as an assistant, hoping to give him an opportunity to create more stability for himself and his family. Timoteo Fuentes is a bright, hardworking student by day and Cal's legal clerk by night, juggling both roles with determination and grit. When one of Timoteo's family members is brutally murdered, the migrant community is reluctant to cooperate with the police investigation for fear of deportation.
Devastated by the loss and nervous about engaging with the legal system, the family turns to Cal for help. With Timoteo protected as a "Dreamer" from deportation, the two begin a dangerous investigation of ruthless people who leverage the fear of a vulnerable population for profit and an assassin who is as cunning as he is deadly. Can Cal and Timoteo untangle the web of deceit or will they become victims themselves?
Running a one-man law practice in the heart of Oregon's wine country, Cal Claxton hires a young, undocumented man as an assistant, hoping to give him an opportunity to create more stability for himself and his family. Timoteo Fuentes is a bright, hardworking student by day and Cal's legal clerk by night, juggling both roles with determination and grit. When one of Timoteo's family members is brutally murdered, the migrant community is reluctant to cooperate with the police investigation for fear of deportation.
Devastated by the loss and nervous about engaging with the legal system, the family turns to Cal for help. With Timoteo protected as a "Dreamer" from deportation, the two begin a dangerous investigation of ruthless people who leverage the fear of a vulnerable population for profit and an assassin who is as cunning as he is deadly. Can Cal and Timoteo untangle the web of deceit or will they become victims themselves?
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 17, 2021
19 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Warren C. Easley
11 books42 followersFormerly a research scientist and international business executive, Easley lives in Oregon where he writes fiction, hikes, skis, and fly fishes. As the author of the Cal Claxton Mysteries, he received a Kay Snow national award for fiction and was named the Northwest's Up and Coming Author by Willamette Writers. His fifth book in the series, Blood for Wine, was short-listed for the coveted Nero Wolfe Award and his eighth book, No Witness, won the Spotted Owl Award for the best mystery written by an author living in the greater Northwest, including Canada.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 17, 2021
DACA, ICE, wine, and murder in Oregon
“No Witness” is part of the “Cal Claxton” mystery series, but anything that new readers needs to know is included in the current narrative. Cal Claxton and Archie, his Australian shepherd, live in the heart of scenic Oregon, beautiful country framed by the Coast Range and the Cascades.
The story is told in Cal’s first person narrative, and readers get to know him well. The investigation, discoveries, and thoughts unfold in chronological order, so readers learn what Cal knows when he knows it. Everyday activities are sprinkled throughout the narrative as he runs errands, gets the week’s shopping done, and builds stone walls. He is a lawyer; to him the law is a thing of beauty, but most of his “lawyering” is tedious, detailed work. Gertie runs the office, but when she suddenly becomes ill, her PhD psychologist niece, Zoe Bennet, takes over that job.
Timoteo Fuentes also helps Cal out in the office; he is a DACA Recipient and college student who has his mind set on a career in law. However, when Timoteo’s sister is killed, it is he who needs help from Cal. Since he, his family, and most of their community are “undocumented,” the situation is complex and fragile. Past associations, injuries, accidents, and more deaths complicate everything. However, if Cal can solve one of these problems, he can solve them all. Cal knows secure passwords are necessary, but sometimes it is an advantage to have a password that people who know you very well can eventually guess.
“Cal Claxton” mysteries work because Cal Claxton is a reliable character. Readers know he is solid, dependable, and determined. He has a strong sense of community responsibility and is predictable within a specific framework of conditions. Cal’s sense of justice and accountability is dominant; every book is compelling yet comfortable, unknown yet familiar. I received a review copy of “No Witness” from Warren Easley, Sourcebooks, and Poisoned Pen Press. I recommend the entire series and suggest eating toasted Dave’s Killer Bread with chunky peanut butter while you read.
“No Witness” is part of the “Cal Claxton” mystery series, but anything that new readers needs to know is included in the current narrative. Cal Claxton and Archie, his Australian shepherd, live in the heart of scenic Oregon, beautiful country framed by the Coast Range and the Cascades.
The story is told in Cal’s first person narrative, and readers get to know him well. The investigation, discoveries, and thoughts unfold in chronological order, so readers learn what Cal knows when he knows it. Everyday activities are sprinkled throughout the narrative as he runs errands, gets the week’s shopping done, and builds stone walls. He is a lawyer; to him the law is a thing of beauty, but most of his “lawyering” is tedious, detailed work. Gertie runs the office, but when she suddenly becomes ill, her PhD psychologist niece, Zoe Bennet, takes over that job.
Timoteo Fuentes also helps Cal out in the office; he is a DACA Recipient and college student who has his mind set on a career in law. However, when Timoteo’s sister is killed, it is he who needs help from Cal. Since he, his family, and most of their community are “undocumented,” the situation is complex and fragile. Past associations, injuries, accidents, and more deaths complicate everything. However, if Cal can solve one of these problems, he can solve them all. Cal knows secure passwords are necessary, but sometimes it is an advantage to have a password that people who know you very well can eventually guess.
“Cal Claxton” mysteries work because Cal Claxton is a reliable character. Readers know he is solid, dependable, and determined. He has a strong sense of community responsibility and is predictable within a specific framework of conditions. Cal’s sense of justice and accountability is dominant; every book is compelling yet comfortable, unknown yet familiar. I received a review copy of “No Witness” from Warren Easley, Sourcebooks, and Poisoned Pen Press. I recommend the entire series and suggest eating toasted Dave’s Killer Bread with chunky peanut butter while you read.
August 18, 2021
No Witness is the eighth installment of the Cal Claxton series. Although No Witness is book number eight, this reader had no problem with reading it as a standalone.
Cal Claxton is a retired L.A. prosecutor that has re-settled in Oregon with his one-man law practice. Cal is content with his existence even if at times his finances are a little strained. Being the sentimentalist that he is, Cal is drawn to hire a Dreamer and aspiring lawyer, Timoteo Fuentes as a clerk to help around the office. Timoteo turns out to be a very needed addition for research, filing and general office keeping. Little did Claxton know that he would eventually be plunged into a murder investigation of Timoteo’s sister, Olivia. And that the investigation into Olivia’s murder would be shrouded in secrecy, and silence among the undocumented witnesses.
Like the author’s other novels, No Witness is written in first person form and it bodes well with the author’s writing style. The characters contain the mainstays of Nando, the private investigator; and Gertie, his accountant. With each succeeding novel, new characters are added to the mix, which really builds the story.
The plot is a simple whodunnit, but it’s not as straightforward as one may think. The mix of characters and multiple storylines will keep the reader guessing until the end. No Witness is an immersive and engaging mystery that will surely please whodunnit fans. Five toothsome stars.
I received a digital ARC from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
Cal Claxton is a retired L.A. prosecutor that has re-settled in Oregon with his one-man law practice. Cal is content with his existence even if at times his finances are a little strained. Being the sentimentalist that he is, Cal is drawn to hire a Dreamer and aspiring lawyer, Timoteo Fuentes as a clerk to help around the office. Timoteo turns out to be a very needed addition for research, filing and general office keeping. Little did Claxton know that he would eventually be plunged into a murder investigation of Timoteo’s sister, Olivia. And that the investigation into Olivia’s murder would be shrouded in secrecy, and silence among the undocumented witnesses.
Like the author’s other novels, No Witness is written in first person form and it bodes well with the author’s writing style. The characters contain the mainstays of Nando, the private investigator; and Gertie, his accountant. With each succeeding novel, new characters are added to the mix, which really builds the story.
The plot is a simple whodunnit, but it’s not as straightforward as one may think. The mix of characters and multiple storylines will keep the reader guessing until the end. No Witness is an immersive and engaging mystery that will surely please whodunnit fans. Five toothsome stars.
I received a digital ARC from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
September 12, 2021
Cal Claxton, former prosecutor in LA, now current one man show in Oregon, has been busy since I last encountered him (in Matters of Doubt). His niece joins him when Gertie, his accountant, becomes ill.
He also has another assistant, Timoteo Fuentes, a DACA recipient, who has convinced Cal to hire him. Timoteo wants to become a lawyer, and the first part of that involves a lot of filing and research. The first big case he sees come into Cal's office, however, is one that hits too close to home: his sister's murder.
It is not necessary to read books one through seven to get here as this does stand on its own; however, to fully understand why Cal quit the big city and moved north, it is helpful to have read them.
Timoteo, his sister, and the entire extended family are undocumented, which makes investigating the case much harder - no one in the community wants to talk to a big white dude who is also a lawyer, especially potential witnesses.
Perseverance pays off, though, and Cal is on the case. But nothing is simple, and as injuries and bodies pile up, the investigation becomes more dangerous for everyone.
As with Matters of Doubt, I'll note that those who fall on the more conservative side of the aisle will be unlikely to enjoy this book. Cal is clearly what those sorts of people would call a social justice warrior, their voices dripping with derision.
Cal has a good heart and a better head. The investigation is fairly straightforward - although Cal has stopped turning up at every dead body before it's even cold, so that's a change of pace from the last one I read.
I'm giving it a solid four out of five stars.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the reading copy.
He also has another assistant, Timoteo Fuentes, a DACA recipient, who has convinced Cal to hire him. Timoteo wants to become a lawyer, and the first part of that involves a lot of filing and research. The first big case he sees come into Cal's office, however, is one that hits too close to home: his sister's murder.
It is not necessary to read books one through seven to get here as this does stand on its own; however, to fully understand why Cal quit the big city and moved north, it is helpful to have read them.
Timoteo, his sister, and the entire extended family are undocumented, which makes investigating the case much harder - no one in the community wants to talk to a big white dude who is also a lawyer, especially potential witnesses.
Perseverance pays off, though, and Cal is on the case. But nothing is simple, and as injuries and bodies pile up, the investigation becomes more dangerous for everyone.
As with Matters of Doubt, I'll note that those who fall on the more conservative side of the aisle will be unlikely to enjoy this book. Cal is clearly what those sorts of people would call a social justice warrior, their voices dripping with derision.
Cal has a good heart and a better head. The investigation is fairly straightforward - although Cal has stopped turning up at every dead body before it's even cold, so that's a change of pace from the last one I read.
I'm giving it a solid four out of five stars.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the reading copy.
October 20, 2021
Cal Claxton is an attorney in the Oregon wine country. Formerly an LA prosecutor, he has found a sense of peace in his new surroundings. When DACA recipient and college student, Timoteo Fuentes, approaches him for a part-time job, Cal senses a young man who is determined to live the American dream by working hard and planning for the future. Cal’s instincts prove to be correct. Timoteo, who want to be an attorney, is a good researcher and eager to learn. And then, the murder of Timoteo’s sister plunges both Cal and his assistant into an investigation that leads them into the world of illegal immigrants and surrounded by murder and deceit.
No Witness is an enjoyable book, with a well-developed plot and great characters. Cal is a solid and dependable figure and the book is easy to read and hard to put down. I didn’t realize there are seven previous Cal Claxton books, which indicates that No Witness can easily be read without any prior knowledge. I enjoyed my introduction to this series and I will definitely read more of Mr Easley’s books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
No Witness is an enjoyable book, with a well-developed plot and great characters. Cal is a solid and dependable figure and the book is easy to read and hard to put down. I didn’t realize there are seven previous Cal Claxton books, which indicates that No Witness can easily be read without any prior knowledge. I enjoyed my introduction to this series and I will definitely read more of Mr Easley’s books.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.
May 11, 2022
I have read this whole series and really like it. The setting is Oregon where I live, so that makes it fun.
October 21, 2025
No Witness by Warren C. Easley, the 8th in a series—2013-2019, 2021, 2023 and 2024, is especially timely because it deals with random deportation of immigrants by ICE and corruption among the government officials involved.
In the first pages, Easley makes clear the value of the Latinos: “The explosive growth of vineyards in the Red Hills had been driven by this immigrant workforce—men and women willing to do backbreaking labor, work that most Americans shun” (9).
He also discusses the rule of law, pros and cons of illegal entry and stay in America, concluding both that immigration laws need reform and that undocumented workers can be very good citizens (128).
Easley’s writing is descriptive, the characters seem authentic, and the story pulls the reader in smoothly. Set in the wine country of Oregon, main character Cal Claxton is an attorney, still grieving the death of his wife a decade earlier, supported by his Australian Shepherd Archie whose job is to keep him in shape and trying to build a rock wall to enclose an herb garden on his five-acre property in addition to serving his clients.
Publicity about a recent case of Claxton’s, prompts Timoteo Fuentes to apply for work at Claxton’s office. A student in nearby McMinnville at a junior college, Fuentes is planning to get a degree in political science and then go to law school. He’s a “Dreamer," an undocumented immigrant who came to the United States as a child, and a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
Timoteo’s visit is well-timed because almost immediately Claxton’s accountant/office manager Gertie has a heart attack and requires by-pass surgery so Cal does need office help. In short order, Claxton hires the Dreamer, Claxton meets Gertie’s niece Zoe, a clinical phycologist on sabbatical to write a book who has come to take care of her aunt as she recovers, and Timoteo’s sister Olivia is shot and killed in what appears to be a mafia hit.
Spoiler alert. Plot details follow.
Olivia was born in the US and worked for Prosperar “a nonprofit that provides health care services for migrant workers”(16). She and Timoteo also have a brother, Luis who seems to be drifting in life. Their father has worked his way up from laborer to manager of one of the largest vineyards in the area. Darci Tate and her partner are the detectives on the case, and Claxton respects them. Mrs. Fuentes is devastated by her daughter’s death and the way the investigation and need for an autopsy prohibit the family from dealing with her body in traditional fashion. Mr. Fuentes asks Claxton to help with the case, saying “people would be reluctant to cooperate with the police since the raids. … ICE conducted a series of sweeps and deported dozens of people in the Willamette Valley, all farm and vineyard workers” (45).
In the following days, Claxton and Timoteo learn that Mr. Fuentes was recruited by a cartel in Guadalajara when he was 18, Mrs. Fuentes resents him, thinking Olivia might have been killed in place of her husband by someone in the cartel, and she stays isolated in her room, grieving. Claxton finds a new lock on a gate that could be how the killer accessed the spot from which to shoot, and he agrees to help and represent the Fuentes in solving Olivia’s murder.
Zoe gets involved because she’s not a good cook and caring for her aunt keeps her in contact with Claxton who is. He soon realizes that “in view of the impact of the murder on the Fuentes family as well as me, having a clinical psychologist in my corner might not be a bad idea” (61).
Sleuthing by Claxton, his PI, Zoe, and the Fuentes proves that Latinos are being blackmailed to pay for protection from deportation by ICE. Olivia is killed because she discovers that Robert Harris, finance manager for Prosperar is providing the contact information of the Latinos. Diego Vargas who works as a driver for a local Cannabis grower, Gavin Whittaker, who launders the money, and counsels young Latinos, is another source for blackmail candidates. Whittaker and Curtis Drake members of a local rugby club supervisor are the leaders of the group, and Drake is an ICE supervisor and alleged white supremacist. He’s also a homosexual whose trysts with young men lead to his downfall.
Claxton’s PI, Nando Mendoza, learns that El Solitario, an independent hit man who is suspected by the LAPD to have killed a least a dozen people is hired to kill Olivia and local Latino Plácido Ballesteros who sets Luis up to be killed. Claxton thwarts that, Mr. Fuentes is charged with Ballesteros' murder, and a colleague of Claxton’s defends him pro bono, getting him off when evidence proves that Whittaker hired El Solitario to do the killing and that Vargas only works with Whittaker because he needs money for his son’s medical care and because both are undocumented, so if they are deported, the son, who has a rare form of cancer, will surely die. He is undergoing experimental treatment at OHSU.
Almost immediately, Curtis Drake shows up to arrest Carlos for being an undocumented immigrant. The conclusion is that Whittaker needs money. He's lost it in restaurants and hotels, weathered bankruptcies and divorces, and married a woman from Chilé who turns out to have no money, and then started Whitaker Investments, soon with a two hundred million dollar stake in cannabis. Drake and Harris are helping Whittaker bilk illegal immigrants for money which they clean via the Investment company. Isabel refuses to wear a wire to help convict her husband, but intervenes when he and Diego get into a fight. Gavin hits Isabel and in trying to defend her, Diego stabs Gavin. Isabel protects Diego, saying she stabbed Gavin in self defense. Diego turns in evidence of the whole operation which Gavin gave him to destroy and a cell phone links Gavin to El Solitario and the death of Olivia. Timoteo sends photos of Drake and a male prostitute to Drake and Carlos' paperwork at ICE disappears, so he is released. Whittaker dies of Covid; Isabel pledges her settlement from Whittaker's estate to buy Prosperars' building and fund a full time doctor, Harris hangs himself and Drake is fired, his property damaged by other members of Citizens for Immigration Justice, people against Oregon's sanctuary law who are disgusted by his actions.
A number of other characters play key roles in the story, but the most significant in terms of the next novels in the series seems to be the character Zoe. Claxton learns from Gertie that Zoe “had a miscarriage, and then her first husband died in a climbing accident. … She married again, maybe a decade later … caught the bastard cheating on her with one of his graduate students” (153). This book ends with Zoe telling Claxton that she knows what she wants and kissing him.
In the first pages, Easley makes clear the value of the Latinos: “The explosive growth of vineyards in the Red Hills had been driven by this immigrant workforce—men and women willing to do backbreaking labor, work that most Americans shun” (9).
He also discusses the rule of law, pros and cons of illegal entry and stay in America, concluding both that immigration laws need reform and that undocumented workers can be very good citizens (128).
Easley’s writing is descriptive, the characters seem authentic, and the story pulls the reader in smoothly. Set in the wine country of Oregon, main character Cal Claxton is an attorney, still grieving the death of his wife a decade earlier, supported by his Australian Shepherd Archie whose job is to keep him in shape and trying to build a rock wall to enclose an herb garden on his five-acre property in addition to serving his clients.
Publicity about a recent case of Claxton’s, prompts Timoteo Fuentes to apply for work at Claxton’s office. A student in nearby McMinnville at a junior college, Fuentes is planning to get a degree in political science and then go to law school. He’s a “Dreamer," an undocumented immigrant who came to the United States as a child, and a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with temporary protection from deportation and work authorization.
Timoteo’s visit is well-timed because almost immediately Claxton’s accountant/office manager Gertie has a heart attack and requires by-pass surgery so Cal does need office help. In short order, Claxton hires the Dreamer, Claxton meets Gertie’s niece Zoe, a clinical phycologist on sabbatical to write a book who has come to take care of her aunt as she recovers, and Timoteo’s sister Olivia is shot and killed in what appears to be a mafia hit.
Spoiler alert. Plot details follow.
Olivia was born in the US and worked for Prosperar “a nonprofit that provides health care services for migrant workers”(16). She and Timoteo also have a brother, Luis who seems to be drifting in life. Their father has worked his way up from laborer to manager of one of the largest vineyards in the area. Darci Tate and her partner are the detectives on the case, and Claxton respects them. Mrs. Fuentes is devastated by her daughter’s death and the way the investigation and need for an autopsy prohibit the family from dealing with her body in traditional fashion. Mr. Fuentes asks Claxton to help with the case, saying “people would be reluctant to cooperate with the police since the raids. … ICE conducted a series of sweeps and deported dozens of people in the Willamette Valley, all farm and vineyard workers” (45).
In the following days, Claxton and Timoteo learn that Mr. Fuentes was recruited by a cartel in Guadalajara when he was 18, Mrs. Fuentes resents him, thinking Olivia might have been killed in place of her husband by someone in the cartel, and she stays isolated in her room, grieving. Claxton finds a new lock on a gate that could be how the killer accessed the spot from which to shoot, and he agrees to help and represent the Fuentes in solving Olivia’s murder.
Zoe gets involved because she’s not a good cook and caring for her aunt keeps her in contact with Claxton who is. He soon realizes that “in view of the impact of the murder on the Fuentes family as well as me, having a clinical psychologist in my corner might not be a bad idea” (61).
Sleuthing by Claxton, his PI, Zoe, and the Fuentes proves that Latinos are being blackmailed to pay for protection from deportation by ICE. Olivia is killed because she discovers that Robert Harris, finance manager for Prosperar is providing the contact information of the Latinos. Diego Vargas who works as a driver for a local Cannabis grower, Gavin Whittaker, who launders the money, and counsels young Latinos, is another source for blackmail candidates. Whittaker and Curtis Drake members of a local rugby club supervisor are the leaders of the group, and Drake is an ICE supervisor and alleged white supremacist. He’s also a homosexual whose trysts with young men lead to his downfall.
Claxton’s PI, Nando Mendoza, learns that El Solitario, an independent hit man who is suspected by the LAPD to have killed a least a dozen people is hired to kill Olivia and local Latino Plácido Ballesteros who sets Luis up to be killed. Claxton thwarts that, Mr. Fuentes is charged with Ballesteros' murder, and a colleague of Claxton’s defends him pro bono, getting him off when evidence proves that Whittaker hired El Solitario to do the killing and that Vargas only works with Whittaker because he needs money for his son’s medical care and because both are undocumented, so if they are deported, the son, who has a rare form of cancer, will surely die. He is undergoing experimental treatment at OHSU.
Almost immediately, Curtis Drake shows up to arrest Carlos for being an undocumented immigrant. The conclusion is that Whittaker needs money. He's lost it in restaurants and hotels, weathered bankruptcies and divorces, and married a woman from Chilé who turns out to have no money, and then started Whitaker Investments, soon with a two hundred million dollar stake in cannabis. Drake and Harris are helping Whittaker bilk illegal immigrants for money which they clean via the Investment company. Isabel refuses to wear a wire to help convict her husband, but intervenes when he and Diego get into a fight. Gavin hits Isabel and in trying to defend her, Diego stabs Gavin. Isabel protects Diego, saying she stabbed Gavin in self defense. Diego turns in evidence of the whole operation which Gavin gave him to destroy and a cell phone links Gavin to El Solitario and the death of Olivia. Timoteo sends photos of Drake and a male prostitute to Drake and Carlos' paperwork at ICE disappears, so he is released. Whittaker dies of Covid; Isabel pledges her settlement from Whittaker's estate to buy Prosperars' building and fund a full time doctor, Harris hangs himself and Drake is fired, his property damaged by other members of Citizens for Immigration Justice, people against Oregon's sanctuary law who are disgusted by his actions.
A number of other characters play key roles in the story, but the most significant in terms of the next novels in the series seems to be the character Zoe. Claxton learns from Gertie that Zoe “had a miscarriage, and then her first husband died in a climbing accident. … She married again, maybe a decade later … caught the bastard cheating on her with one of his graduate students” (153). This book ends with Zoe telling Claxton that she knows what she wants and kissing him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2021
Attorney Calvin “Cal” Claxton is back working on a case for the Fuentes family. Timoteo Fuentes, a DACA student, has plans to be a lawyer and convinces Cal to hire him. Cal has no idea that his relationship with Timoteo will lead to one of his most complex and dangerous cases. Timoteo’s sister Olivia is murdered as she is leaving their home and although Cal tries to save her, the gunshot wound is fatal. Was Olivia the target or another family member? Cal uses all of his known resources as he along with other members of the family are attacked. There is a dangerous killer on the loose and someone is targeting immigrants, but for what purpose? I have read and enjoyed the entire Cal Claxton series, but it was a little more difficult for me to get involved in this one. Still an enjoyable story and perhaps a new love interest for Cal? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
January 3, 2022
I'm not sure I have given one of these Cal Claxton novels 5 stars yet. I tell myself they are light and easy and maybe good but not great writing, or maybe there is a regional appeal which is true.
But what's not to like here? Cal, an attorney who has a regular office but also does pro bono work for folks who may not get help otherwise. He always seems to fall into a case in these novels too where it is about helping people get out of trouble who don't deserve to be, in this case a migrant family. And, Cal lives in the Red Hills of Dundee, Oregon and of course loves a good Pinot Noir. He's a good cook and loves his dog, and just a nice guy who takes care of his neighbor and treats people right. As I said what's not to like?
But what's not to like here? Cal, an attorney who has a regular office but also does pro bono work for folks who may not get help otherwise. He always seems to fall into a case in these novels too where it is about helping people get out of trouble who don't deserve to be, in this case a migrant family. And, Cal lives in the Red Hills of Dundee, Oregon and of course loves a good Pinot Noir. He's a good cook and loves his dog, and just a nice guy who takes care of his neighbor and treats people right. As I said what's not to like?
April 10, 2022
A very engaging plot with compelling characters. It is the story of a Hispanic family, whose son's (Timoteo) goal is to become an attorney and gets a job as Cal's assistant. Then Timoteo's sister is murdered, and Cal can't help himself to investigate her death. Some political subtleties about the appropriateness of DACA and Dreamers versus adhering to the letter of the law. Good motivation for the killing regarding the type of business the culprit(s) were in. This is the second Cal Claxton book I've read (besides the first in the series), and it didn't matter that this was #8 as it didn't detract in any way from the narrative. Excellent development of the setting in the Willamette Valley, too.
August 18, 2021
This is part of a series and this is the first one I’ve read. I was nervous that I wouldn’t know the characters and settings, but it was fine the narrative is so easy to follow and I feel like I could have picked up any of the books in the series and been able to follow. I live very close to Oregon and love reading books set near me. This story really held my interest in the fact that you didn’t guess a few pages in “who done it” and that is always a plus. I really enjoyed the book, will look forward to reading more by this author.
July 13, 2021
A quick and easy read with a heavy backdrop of immigrant labourers and their dreams and hope for their children. The story flows easily and the characters are well built. The ground realities of immigration issues and the exploitation of the vulnerable people unmasks the American dream. Hope the issues in real life also get solved amicably.
August 18, 2021
I liked the character and the personal touches which built him up to be real to the reader - the pet dog, for example. The pace was a bit slower than I usually like in a mystery but it did mean the characters could be developed well.
October 1, 2021
Not disappointed in any way. Cal Claxton tales are getting better each day. This one mixes in many current event tribulations. The characters are rich and the mystery intriguing. Cannot wait for the next one. Keep it up Warren!
December 22, 2021
I came into this series by a whim in a library trip. These aren't the most on-the-edge-of-your-seat mysteries, but good. This one wasn't my favorite of the series by far, but I'll look out for more.
October 14, 2022
Interesting,topical plot involving poorly treated, undocumented vineyard workers. But like so many mystery series Easley is too interested in his detective. I don't need to know what it eats or everything he says to his dog
July 27, 2025
another fun adventure with Cal and his army
This series harkens back to John D. McDonald’s Travis McGee series. Overlooking the occasional grammatical slip or poor proofreading is easy when the story’s knits together so well..
This series harkens back to John D. McDonald’s Travis McGee series. Overlooking the occasional grammatical slip or poor proofreading is easy when the story’s knits together so well..
August 27, 2021
Well done
Compelling read which builds at a engaging pace to keep interest high.
A good compliment to previous books by Warren.
Compelling read which builds at a engaging pace to keep interest high.
A good compliment to previous books by Warren.
August 31, 2021
A nice mix of interesting characters, an intriguing plot and a bit of a political subplot - what I have come to enjoy and expect from Easley. Recommended!!
September 10, 2021
Latino justice!
Easley does an excellent job of highlighting the.problem of migrants living under the shadow of being deported & shows the need for immigration reform.
Great read!
Easley does an excellent job of highlighting the.problem of migrants living under the shadow of being deported & shows the need for immigration reform.
Great read!
February 11, 2022
Overall okayish book. Decent story but I felt like I was forcing myself to read it. Felt very slow.
September 6, 2022
Totally enjoyed it and want to read all of his books..
January 20, 2023
Wasn’t wild about this book. Predictable, likable cast of characters, quick read, but. It on my top ten . The subject matter didn’t thrill me.
December 23, 2023
Maybe the ending was a little too tied up with a bow but it was definitely satisfying. Entertaining book.
July 6, 2024
Good writing...good dialogue...great sub-stories...great detective work.
May 19, 2025
Another good,solid mystery from Easley. This one concerned itself with undocumented workers in the vineyards. Enjoyable reading.
July 7, 2023
As far as a mystery goes, I didn’t guess it in the first half so it passes my standards. The complexity of the story, inclusion of many different viewpoints, and use of important small details that help relate the reader to the characters was all what made this book what it is. It’s a sad one- illegal immigrants, fighting lawyers and cops and immigration all to save a family. Not a story I’ve read before, that’s for sure.
January 3, 2022
I was excited to see that my wish had been granted to receive an ARC for this book! Thank you to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for granting my wish!
I had never heard of this series, but the synopsis on Netgalley intrigued me. It was fairly easy to jump right in without having read the other seven Cal Claxton books. I learned right from the start how likeable Cal Claxton is. This book had me mesmerized and was held captive until the very end! Truly a great mystery and now I need to read the others in the series!
I had never heard of this series, but the synopsis on Netgalley intrigued me. It was fairly easy to jump right in without having read the other seven Cal Claxton books. I learned right from the start how likeable Cal Claxton is. This book had me mesmerized and was held captive until the very end! Truly a great mystery and now I need to read the others in the series!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews