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Good Lawyer #3
The Criminal Mind
FROM THE AUTHOR OF THE #1 BESTSELLER THE GOOD LAWYER--A NEW NOVEL IN THE GOOD LAWYER SERIES
A malicious undercurrent plagues the remote hamlet of Cartersville, New York, where children have been going missing for over half a century.
When a disabled Vietnam veteran, reared in that town, collides in the heart of Manhattan with a teenage girl suffering from multiple personality disorder and memories of being trapped in a locked wooden box as a child, their budding connection slowly unravels memories that neither of them can leave in the past.
After buried crates are unearthed at a remote construction site outside Cartersville with the bones of small boys inside them, and simultaneously, another local child goes missing, Nick Mannino, The Good Lawyer, and Paul Tarantino, a high-class fixer and former secret service agent, are drawn into the fray. Together they explore the disappearance over the years of not just one, but hundreds of children in and around this quaint but peculiar town.
With the help of a genius hacker, a dedicated reporter, and the only witnesses to the crimes—the alternate personalities of the traumatized yet innocent teenager—Nick Mannino is about to embark on his most disturbing investigation yet: uncovering a sinister underground enterprise, and the criminal mind behind it.
A malicious undercurrent plagues the remote hamlet of Cartersville, New York, where children have been going missing for over half a century.
When a disabled Vietnam veteran, reared in that town, collides in the heart of Manhattan with a teenage girl suffering from multiple personality disorder and memories of being trapped in a locked wooden box as a child, their budding connection slowly unravels memories that neither of them can leave in the past.
After buried crates are unearthed at a remote construction site outside Cartersville with the bones of small boys inside them, and simultaneously, another local child goes missing, Nick Mannino, The Good Lawyer, and Paul Tarantino, a high-class fixer and former secret service agent, are drawn into the fray. Together they explore the disappearance over the years of not just one, but hundreds of children in and around this quaint but peculiar town.
With the help of a genius hacker, a dedicated reporter, and the only witnesses to the crimes—the alternate personalities of the traumatized yet innocent teenager—Nick Mannino is about to embark on his most disturbing investigation yet: uncovering a sinister underground enterprise, and the criminal mind behind it.
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2021
597 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Benigno
9 books133 followersThomas Benigno is a practicing attorney in Long Island, N. Y. After graduating Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in Manhattan in 1979, at the behest of his Criminal Law Clinic Professor, Barry Scheck (who later obtained fame for representing O. J. Simpson) he was fast-tracked to a position as Associate Attorney with the New York City Legal Aid Society in the Bronx. While there he sought out and tackled the grittiest of cases, even representing the infamous Spiderman Rapist. If you ask him why he repeatedly took on the defense of child molesters and rapists, he'll sound off two reasons: 1) no other attorney would take these cases, and 2) he was young and out to prove himself. The year before he left Legal Aid to go into private practice he was featured in a two page spread in the New York City Legal Aid Society's Annual Report for his success in winning what seemed like an unwinnable case-a teacher's aide charged with molesting three of his students. At a party held in his honor he was handed a beautiful plaque commemorating his court victory-a plaque he never hung or put on display ever. Three years after he left Legal Aid, after never losing a trial, he left the practice of criminal law behind forever. He currently practices real estate and business law, enjoys acting in staged productions on Long Island, appeared as an actor in two movies, one an award winning short film, and even produced (along with others) a Broadway show (Burn the Floor and its U.S. tour). He is married to the same "beautiful woman" since shortly after graduating law school and has three adult children. His first novel, THE GOOD LAWYER, is inspired by real events while he was working as a Legal Aid Attorney in the South Bronx.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
July 14, 2021
another fine story from Thomas Benigno, who has the ability to blend multiple exciting plot lines into an exciting read ... this one had some significant surprises and one extended frightening sequence ... enough said
May 12, 2021
This is a very interesting novel, and first because in reading it I thought I was reading a 'true crime' story. It isn't, or at least I hope it isn't. Disturbing at every turn, and not for the weak due to the graphic content as it nears the end. Well done.
October 18, 2024
This was the least readable of the books in this series. Although it reached a climactic scene at the end I found it difficult to stick with it in the first two thirds of the book.
May 23, 2021
The Criminal Mind is a Serial Killer Suspense Thriller penned by the author Thomas Benigno. It is the third installment in The Good Lawyer Series. Story features an old veteran Charlie Malone on his wheelchair. He lives in a center for veterans with disabilities on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, New York. One day when he was on Eighth Avenue, he met a teenager Mia Langley. Mia reminded Charlie of his sister Peggy who ran away from home one day and later her skull was found near the construction site on the outskirts of town.
The Veteran Center where Charlie and other veterans were living was a result of plan that Nicholas Mannino and his wife Eleanor had thought of. Now Eleanor is not there in his life and later in life he fell for a waitress Maureen that even made him forgot about Eleanor when he was with her. Nicholas started visiting Veteran Center more after Eleanor's death and there Charlie told him his entire life story. He also told him about a teenage girl Mia and her multiple personality disorder.
This is a gripping story that you won't feel like putting down until you finish it. Author has written this story well and it's perfect for weekend binge reading. Characters are interesting. Nick and Charlie both are my favorite from the story. If you are a big fan of thrillers then go ahead with "The Criminal Mind" without thinking twice. You won't regret picking this novel at all. I am interested to read more novels by the author.
The Veteran Center where Charlie and other veterans were living was a result of plan that Nicholas Mannino and his wife Eleanor had thought of. Now Eleanor is not there in his life and later in life he fell for a waitress Maureen that even made him forgot about Eleanor when he was with her. Nicholas started visiting Veteran Center more after Eleanor's death and there Charlie told him his entire life story. He also told him about a teenage girl Mia and her multiple personality disorder.
This is a gripping story that you won't feel like putting down until you finish it. Author has written this story well and it's perfect for weekend binge reading. Characters are interesting. Nick and Charlie both are my favorite from the story. If you are a big fan of thrillers then go ahead with "The Criminal Mind" without thinking twice. You won't regret picking this novel at all. I am interested to read more novels by the author.
November 24, 2025
A gripping, chilling thriller from start to finish! The twists, complex characters, and dark secrets of Cartersville kept me on the edge of my seat. Nick Mannino proves why he’s a must read hero. Absolutely unputdownable.
May 17, 2023
This Was an OK Book, and an OK Story — Neither Significantly Great to Read
I had a tough time keeping interest in this story, at least for the first third ... The Author mostly just re-hashes a lot of The Attorney's history, introduces a new character or two, but only offers a few minimal pages on the actual story line. I'm sorry, but The Author seems to think we're reading this story to better know The Attorney -- instead, aren't we reading the book in order to be immersed in a murder mystery/thriller/fast-action plot?!? I guess NOT getting the latter is my mistake and disappointment.
I deliberately re-read the previous 2 books of this series, mostly to refresh my memory of the main characters after 5-years or so. Really, all that the effort accomplished, though, was to remind me how not-very-good the writing is for these books. This is contrary to the vague memories I had before jumping back in!
Another constant found while reading these books, is that The Author keeps changing (? trying to improve/embellish ?) The Attorney’s initial love life — or, at least, re-writing it from how it was described in the first book. Truthfully, the initial story was more than adequate, and there’s no reason The Author should have modified it in any way.
This 3rd book of the series deals with some harsh horrors that occur in life, ranging from child abuse to thievery, con jobs and murders. The last half of the book was certainly better than the 1st third — but, overall, this book was about The Attorney — not a murder/mystery/thriller. So, with that in mind, I think I’ve learned my lesson, and have no intentions to dive into any possible future books in this series — and I recommend to other Readers to not even bother with ‘The Good Lawyer’ books.
I had a tough time keeping interest in this story, at least for the first third ... The Author mostly just re-hashes a lot of The Attorney's history, introduces a new character or two, but only offers a few minimal pages on the actual story line. I'm sorry, but The Author seems to think we're reading this story to better know The Attorney -- instead, aren't we reading the book in order to be immersed in a murder mystery/thriller/fast-action plot?!? I guess NOT getting the latter is my mistake and disappointment.
I deliberately re-read the previous 2 books of this series, mostly to refresh my memory of the main characters after 5-years or so. Really, all that the effort accomplished, though, was to remind me how not-very-good the writing is for these books. This is contrary to the vague memories I had before jumping back in!
Another constant found while reading these books, is that The Author keeps changing (? trying to improve/embellish ?) The Attorney’s initial love life — or, at least, re-writing it from how it was described in the first book. Truthfully, the initial story was more than adequate, and there’s no reason The Author should have modified it in any way.
This 3rd book of the series deals with some harsh horrors that occur in life, ranging from child abuse to thievery, con jobs and murders. The last half of the book was certainly better than the 1st third — but, overall, this book was about The Attorney — not a murder/mystery/thriller. So, with that in mind, I think I’ve learned my lesson, and have no intentions to dive into any possible future books in this series — and I recommend to other Readers to not even bother with ‘The Good Lawyer’ books.
September 1, 2021
Falls Short
Not as good as The Good Lawyer. Blatant misses (like he goes on a cruise with his daughter, his son, his son’s 8 month old baby … and no baby mama is even mentioned?). Several missing words - shame on whomever edited this. Cell phone coverage in a deep, underground cellar? C’mon, Thomas, The Good Lawyer proved you are better than this.
Not as good as The Good Lawyer. Blatant misses (like he goes on a cruise with his daughter, his son, his son’s 8 month old baby … and no baby mama is even mentioned?). Several missing words - shame on whomever edited this. Cell phone coverage in a deep, underground cellar? C’mon, Thomas, The Good Lawyer proved you are better than this.
July 10, 2023
time to change
I thoroughly enjoyed his first
Two books in the series, but was disappointed with this one. It became too melodramatic and ridiculous to say, cheesy, in the last half of the book.
He has been a great writer Lee will again.
I thoroughly enjoyed his first
Two books in the series, but was disappointed with this one. It became too melodramatic and ridiculous to say, cheesy, in the last half of the book.
He has been a great writer Lee will again.
July 30, 2024
Just ok. Not dissimilar from The Good Lawyer. At times rambling verse to appear to fill pages. Felt like made for TV script lacking depth and reality.
Read
June 24, 2021A new favorite!
I have now found a new favorite author!
I wouldn't call this a legal thriller as there is no trial or law involved, but one of the characters IS a retired lawyer. Along with Nick, the lawyer, is a past FBI agent, a reporter for CNN, and to top it off a cranky legless, Vietnam Vet, and a few more interesting characters.
Benigno is FANTASTIC when it comes to character development. Even if he doesn't TELL you who is speaking you would still be able to tell who was speaking because he's so good at giving the characters their each individual personalities.
I'm going to give his second book a go and see if it's just as good, and if it is, I'm going to follow him.
I have now found a new favorite author!
I wouldn't call this a legal thriller as there is no trial or law involved, but one of the characters IS a retired lawyer. Along with Nick, the lawyer, is a past FBI agent, a reporter for CNN, and to top it off a cranky legless, Vietnam Vet, and a few more interesting characters.
Benigno is FANTASTIC when it comes to character development. Even if he doesn't TELL you who is speaking you would still be able to tell who was speaking because he's so good at giving the characters their each individual personalities.
I'm going to give his second book a go and see if it's just as good, and if it is, I'm going to follow him.
February 12, 2022
I got 7% into this novel and quit. Unfair, I know, not to have gone further, but when a writer makes blatant factual errors that would have so easily been avoided with a little research, I can't go on. The errors: A Vietnam veteran gets his legs blown off "in a field outside Hanoi" in 1968. No American ground units were in or around Hanoi, ever. The DMZ was the limit to our forces. Another screwup: the man served "four combat tours, the record was five." For ground forces, nonsense. Three tours was the limit. Some command staff served more tours, but not the grunts. Check your facts, Mr. Benigno. Dang, and I really liked the first two books I read by this author.
October 21, 2023
Absolutely wonderful book
This is the first book by Thomas Benigno I have read, but I am so impressed by his talent and artistry, I will certainly read more. His words flow beautifully, his characters seem real and three dimensional. Charlie, especially was a complex and loveable character. His descriptive passages put me right where the action is taking place. I liked the powerful meaning behind the good versus evil juxtaposition, and this story had plenty of both. I look forward to reading.more books by Thomas Benigno.
This is the first book by Thomas Benigno I have read, but I am so impressed by his talent and artistry, I will certainly read more. His words flow beautifully, his characters seem real and three dimensional. Charlie, especially was a complex and loveable character. His descriptive passages put me right where the action is taking place. I liked the powerful meaning behind the good versus evil juxtaposition, and this story had plenty of both. I look forward to reading.more books by Thomas Benigno.
November 5, 2021
A thrilling, devastating adventure through the evils of life
A thrilling, devastating adventure through the evils of life. The story captures the expanses of a life from the heights of love and romance to the depths and despair of utmost evil. This psychological thriller examines the heart, or lack there of, of lives intertwined through romance, pain, tragedy, and investigative discovery
A thrilling, devastating adventure through the evils of life. The story captures the expanses of a life from the heights of love and romance to the depths and despair of utmost evil. This psychological thriller examines the heart, or lack there of, of lives intertwined through romance, pain, tragedy, and investigative discovery
May 12, 2023
Hunting
The story had many aspects to it. The story line intertwined until it all came together. I had read the previous book by this writer so was familiar with the lead character. It goes to show that money isn't everything, it is exciting, it confirms possibilities and it can cause evil. The evil discussed in this book was presented in a clear unemotional way. The writer did not sugar cost the events as they happened. An extremely good read.
The story had many aspects to it. The story line intertwined until it all came together. I had read the previous book by this writer so was familiar with the lead character. It goes to show that money isn't everything, it is exciting, it confirms possibilities and it can cause evil. The evil discussed in this book was presented in a clear unemotional way. The writer did not sugar cost the events as they happened. An extremely good read.
March 7, 2025
Can't stop turning the pages
I couldn't stop turning the pages of this book. Every turn continued to steer me deeper into suspense and curiosity, leaving me searching for more clues to catch the bad guys! What a well written book with so many different characters that ultimately tied up all the loose ends to solve the crimes. Thomas Benigno, You are a crafty writer! I look forward to more.
I couldn't stop turning the pages of this book. Every turn continued to steer me deeper into suspense and curiosity, leaving me searching for more clues to catch the bad guys! What a well written book with so many different characters that ultimately tied up all the loose ends to solve the crimes. Thomas Benigno, You are a crafty writer! I look forward to more.
June 6, 2021
What a book!
This was a marvelous story of compassionate characters from the crusty Vietnam vet and a mysterious eighteen year old girl along with Nick and his immediate and extended family. Not only was this an intriguing mystery but a well written study of gallantry. Mr. Benigno does not disappoint with the third book in the series and I can hardly wait for the fourth!
This was a marvelous story of compassionate characters from the crusty Vietnam vet and a mysterious eighteen year old girl along with Nick and his immediate and extended family. Not only was this an intriguing mystery but a well written study of gallantry. Mr. Benigno does not disappoint with the third book in the series and I can hardly wait for the fourth!
November 20, 2021
Amazing Book
Amazing story development which keeps you not wanting to put it down. The words to describe the terror felt by these three guys in the tunnel makes your blood run cold. The ending closes with such success for these great heroes. I have read all three of Tom Benigno's books. They are terrific reads.
Amazing story development which keeps you not wanting to put it down. The words to describe the terror felt by these three guys in the tunnel makes your blood run cold. The ending closes with such success for these great heroes. I have read all three of Tom Benigno's books. They are terrific reads.
February 9, 2023
Amazing series!
This series was just so good. I really enjoyed all three books. I listened to the audible books. The narration was great and I was very pleased. To hear the stories that really happened to the author was very interesting. He is inspiring with how he helped so many people. I highly recommend this book series.
This series was just so good. I really enjoyed all three books. I listened to the audible books. The narration was great and I was very pleased. To hear the stories that really happened to the author was very interesting. He is inspiring with how he helped so many people. I highly recommend this book series.
August 14, 2023
Some years after the Long Beach murders Nick has reason to call upon his old friend Paul once more. Having made friends with a war veteran, Nick discovers that young boys have been going missing for years. With little or no interest from the police, Nick,Paul & Charlie set about their own investigation. Meanwhile, Nick’s life could be in danger from a seemingly lovely friend.
October 20, 2024
an unusual story that captivates the reader and I was sad to turn to the last page.
an unusual story that captivates the reader and I was sad to turn to the last page. The writer must have been exposed to the evils of mankind to put this story into writing.
A page turner, that’s for sure.
an unusual story that captivates the reader and I was sad to turn to the last page. The writer must have been exposed to the evils of mankind to put this story into writing.
A page turner, that’s for sure.
February 26, 2022
Super Read
A girl with multiple personalities and a severely wounded Viet Nam lead main character, Nick, into a horrid world of dead and abused boys. A revolting topic, but a very interesting plot.
A girl with multiple personalities and a severely wounded Viet Nam lead main character, Nick, into a horrid world of dead and abused boys. A revolting topic, but a very interesting plot.
Read
October 17, 2022Compelling story!
This was a great story. A bonus book. Two mysteries in one. Just when you think the suspense is over...BAM...it hits you again. I read all three books and each one was very good.
This was a great story. A bonus book. Two mysteries in one. Just when you think the suspense is over...BAM...it hits you again. I read all three books and each one was very good.
May 13, 2023
The Criminal Mind
Awesome read. Fantastic characters and even better storyline. A book based on kidnapping, abuse and murder. One of the children had alter characters. This is very well written book that really keeps your attention. Hard to put down. Highly recommended!
Awesome read. Fantastic characters and even better storyline. A book based on kidnapping, abuse and murder. One of the children had alter characters. This is very well written book that really keeps your attention. Hard to put down. Highly recommended!
July 27, 2024
Wow!
Thoroughly enjoyed all three books of this series. SO well written,every page made made me eager to read the next. Wonderful, real to life characters, multiple story lines interwoven, with satisfying conclusions. Greatly enjoyable for the "who done it" reader!
Thoroughly enjoyed all three books of this series. SO well written,every page made made me eager to read the next. Wonderful, real to life characters, multiple story lines interwoven, with satisfying conclusions. Greatly enjoyable for the "who done it" reader!
May 2, 2021
👍
Thank you to the author for a really good read! It's a thriller that is truly a page turner. Certainly kept me up a few nights
Thank you to the author for a really good read! It's a thriller that is truly a page turner. Certainly kept me up a few nights
May 14, 2021
Mis
The characters were mostly well developed, I think Mia needs a little more work however a very interesting storyline development
The characters were mostly well developed, I think Mia needs a little more work however a very interesting storyline development
June 3, 2021
Great Read!
This book was so good I didn't want it to end. Anytime you feel connected to the main characters ,,,,,,I,t,,,,,,,,,,, makes you,,, care about what happens to them.
This book was so good I didn't want it to end. Anytime you feel connected to the main characters ,,,,,,I,t,,,,,,,,,,, makes you,,, care about what happens to them.
June 13, 2021
Great thriller
The twists and turns keep your interest. I couldn’t put this book down. As must read for all to enjoy.
The twists and turns keep your interest. I couldn’t put this book down. As must read for all to enjoy.
June 18, 2021
Great right up to and including the end
The story line was handled with great dignity. It was timely and engrossing. Will read more from this talented author.
The story line was handled with great dignity. It was timely and engrossing. Will read more from this talented author.
June 15, 2022
Worth the read
The story reels you and keeps your attention. Well written and suspenseful. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and hopefully more to follow.
The story reels you and keeps your attention. Well written and suspenseful. This is the second book I’ve read by this author and hopefully more to follow.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews