Bring Me to Life

by Richard Simon

Ray Scapio is Ventura County’s top homicide prosecutor; he has been assigned the case of his career.

A local Tennis pro murdered his ex-girlfriend. The case seems obvious until a high-priced defense attorney hires an expert with a record of creating reasonable doubt. After a stunning cross-examination the trial concludes. Soon after, Scapio gets an even bigger case.

When beautiful Daisy Guzman is abducted the race is on to find her. Brilliant Detectives Davon Washington and Chris Whatley’s investigation takes them to a local hospital where a young woman lies comatose with bandages covering severe burn injuries. Jack Maclin, a paroled rapist is certain that he killed Daisy and will get away with her murder.

But when Daisy’s bandages are removed the case takes a shocking twist and Jack Maclin has no clue how the tables are about to turn.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Thriller Suspense

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 9, 2021

About the author

Senior Deputy District Attorney working homicides, arsons and serious and violent felonies. I was one of a team of Prosecutors assigned to the infamous Golden State Killer case. I have successfully prosecuted many high profile murder cases in Ventura County and received the Prosecutor of the Year twice as well as the MADD award for successfully prosecuting a DUI homicide. I am the author of Bring me to Life, a fiction in the Courtroom drama/ Crime thriller genre

Reviews

[Richard Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm the author so of course I'm bias but I draw on my 35 years of experience as a prosecutor to write realistic Courtroom scenes and develop a murder story and kidnapping with a genre bending twist that has never been done before. Read this book, I am confident you will enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

[Pam Grossman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing read

I read this book as I recognized the author was one of the unsung hero's responsible for the eventual capture of one of California's most feared serial killers - the Golden State Killer. The stories the author shares are full of compassion and dedication to assisting victims of crime and inspiration for all of us for a better tomorrow. Will recommend to my book club.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have such mixed thoughts about this book. I adored the beginning of this book, it was captivating and was written in a way that I’ve never seen before. The last bit of it was just so upsetting to read. I was very sad by this ending, and is for sure the reason for my rating. If you want a good read, I suggest reading through page 285, but 286 and beyond will make you regret reading the book.

The book is written in a way that is very similar to a murder podcast script (who doesn’t love a good murder podcast). Because it’s not a writing style I’ve seen, I decided to look up the author and found the following.

He is a Senior Deputy District Attorney working homicides, arsons and serious and violent felonies and was even on the team of Prosecutors assigned to the infamous Golden State Killer case The untold story of how the Golden State Killer was found: A covert operation and private DNA. He has successfully prosecuted many high profile murder cases in Ventura County (which is where the setting of the book takes place) and received the Prosecutor of the Year twice.

Because of this, his writing style is also heavy with courtroom rules and law specific language (don’t worry it is effortless to follow along) and I actually was really interested in reading these parts. I don’t know much about law, so the fact that he was able to bring things to light and make it so realistic allows me to enjoy the book that much more.

He goes in depth a lot about the background of the characters (showing and not telling which is great). I really enjoyed those parts because the stories were entertaining when the author was describing a character’s personality.

I also am very happy to see that lab techs are getting more credit than just the usual "It's not quick like the TV shows." It is actually explained to the reader about genetic markers and how they can be used to distinguish the blood between two different people. Lab Technicians don’t get enough credit in the medical setting, let alone the forensic setting.

I didn't have too much of a problem with jumping around story plots (a lot of the book reviews complained about this), but that may be because it's similar to how I tell stories. I always tell my stories with many little stories within the story I was originally going to tell. Some people are only able to follow books that are written with one storyline that is written linearly from start to finish, and that's okay those people will just have a harder time reading this book.

The cross-examination of Andrews was unbelievably good!! It's my favorite part of the book. Scapio is a very well developed character and even though he has his flaws, I would love to see more of him. The book, being fiction, allowed the author to set up such a good cross-examination, making it very entertaining. He had everything set up from the beginning of the book that were carefully planned and that can be said through to the end of the book with all the stories lining up and intertwining.

[Brenda Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and excellent character development.

Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2023

Verified Purchase

This is one of those books you want to finish in one setting. The characters are well developed utilizing the authors extensive experience as a prosecutor. The book keeps one interested from beginning to end. It is refreshing to read a well written book that leaves one grateful for the time and knowledge the author spent defining terms and explainig the legal inuendos. The unique ending leaves the reader yearning for more novels by this author. I am an avid reader focusing on wide ranging subject matter with mystery and crime being a favorite.
It is by far the best mystery book I have read in a long time. My reading material consists of novels by the most admired and popular, best selling authors, therefore, I recognize an excellent read when I happen upon it.

One person found this helpful

[Al Arzu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will have you on the edge of your seat. The author brings the reader into the courtroom and subsequently leads them to the edge of reality. The characters are well-developed and the author's extensive trial experience comes through in the court scenes. If you want to read a book that will keep you guessing and keep you entertained, this is the book for you!!

[Michelle Wendlandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently reading this book. It is hard to put down, I am waiting to see what happens to certain characters to see if what I am thinking is going to happen.. It's a good read.

[Dale Berman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book by author Richard Simon. It gives a realist view of the inter workings of a beach city DA’s office but this book has an interesting twist. If you are a lover of crime drama and science fiction you will love this book. I high recommend this read.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intriguing science fiction, crime thriller, police procedural written by an actual experienced prosecutor. For a first novel, it reminds me of the early books of Michael Connelly, Robert Tanenbaum, Sheldon Siegel, and Joseph Wambaugh! This is "The Real Deal"!

[Jeff Held · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book as amazing. I loved the characters. The Courtroom scenes were as realistic and riveting as I have ever read. This writer obviously knows the law and legal system. The twist to the plot was brilliant. I loved his story. Its really two cases in one and does skip around a little but if you stick with this brilliant work of fiction you wont regret it. Great read.

[Sandi Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ray Scapio is Ventura County's top homicide prosecutor and liked to pull practical jokes on his friends and co-workers. Ray had been assigned the case of his career, a local Tennis pro, Allen McCarty, who murdered his ex-girlfriend Jessica Braden with a knife which was never located. The case seems obvious until a high-priced defense attorney Sam Vandenbalk hires an expert with a record of creating reasonable doubt. After a stunning cross-examination the trial concludes.
Soon after, Scapio gets an even bigger case. When beautiful Daisy Guzman is abducted the race is on to find her. Brilliant Detectives Davon Washington and Chris Whatley's investigation takes them to a local hospital where a young woman lies comatose with bandages covering severe acid burn injuries to her face. Jack Maclin, a paroled rapist is certain that he killed Daisy and will get away with her murder. But when Daisy's bandages are removed the case takes a shocking twist and Jack Maclin has no clue how the tables are about to turn.  #GoodreadsGiveaway

[Christina · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was all over the place! If you want to know the inside details of jury selection, then this book is for you, if not, don't bother. Soooo many unnecessary details for characters that are mentioned once in the book. So much focus on court cases, the actual kidnapping (thriller part of the book) didn't happen until 250 pages in, then an alien shows up! I didn't think this was in the Sci fi genre, if I had I wouldn't have read it at it's just not my thing. So maybe that should be stated as well. First book, author is very knowledgeable about court proceedings etc. I just don't think so those details needed to be most of the book.

[Theresa Pollara · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a law school student or a pre law, you need to read this book. The detail is accurate as to the political life in a DAs office under a certain type of DA. Further, the courtroom detail is correct. The 'spoonful of sugar' is that the author delivers a story along with the valuable real to life information.
My one criticism is that this could have been divided into two books creating a bit of a disjoint at the end. But still worth the read!

[RF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm receiving a copy of this book to donate to the Women's Prison Book Project. I am sure the readers will appreciate it. Thanks for getting me a copy!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held my interest from the first page to the last

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately it was so poorly written I had difficulty finishing. The book was very repetitious and there was way too much detail. Half the time I had no idea what the book was about. Is it really necessary to know that Judge Maloney was divorced and a devout dog lover, living with her 3 dogs in Santa Paula? Does that affect her work as a judge? There are so many examples like that of the minute detail that added absolutely nothing to the story. I thought the book was about Jack Macklin and his crimes because that’s how the book starts out. But then he doesn’t reappear again until chapter 8 and his trial isn’t discussed until chapter 12. And the ending was just ridiculous and beyond belief. It felt like an ending an elementary or middle school student would write for a story.

It is obvious the author knows the law and details on solving crimes. He needs to learn to pare down the details so the reader doesn’t have to slog through. It took me 3 weeks to finish just because I dreaded reading any more. I only finished because I won a Kindle edition. I don’t like leaving bad reviews and I gave it 2 stars because it’s obvious the author worked hard. I’m just shocked it was published.

Thank you Goodreads for winning this Kindle Edition.

[Philip Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a Giveaway.

Enter the world of Criminal Procedure, Courtroom Advocacy and Science Fiction - all rolled up in one book. Big left turn at the end . . but I went with it for the ride -- and glad that I did.

Well written and very detailed criminal law novel. It's almost like taking a seminar in criminal law and trial practice. I am a former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn, NY and can verify that to be true. Perhaps a little too heavy on detail about the "ins and outs" of investigation and trial work, but not to the point where it detracts from the plot and story lines.

The courtroom scenes are exciting and credible and the cross-examination of the defendant's expert witness is the highlight of the book, in my view.

The end of the book I will not get into so as not to spoil it for other readers. . READ it though and see what you think. . . A bit "off the charts" for some, no doubt, but I enjoyed the book and was glad I won the book in the giveaway and read it.

Would I read Simon's next book, should there be one? . . .Definitely.

P.S. I am NOT related to one of the characters in this book!

[Rosemarie Bivins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that this book was everything and so much more than I expected or could even imagine. It was filled with feeling like I was sitting on the sidelines in the Courtroom as these cases were being heard. With every word the Author wrote it left me anxious and excited to read the next lines... then onto the next chapter. I prolonged the ending because I knew that I would want more which is exactly what happened!! Throughout the book I was amazed.. I found myself shocked and in awe, laughing at some of the key players (Attorney's).
The Author is truly someone to be respected. With his vast years of experience and masterful eyes to be able to make sure that justice is implemented. It is an art that you can never tire of seeing (or at least for me) .
I can't wait for his next book and guaranteed I will be one of the very first in line to get my copy.
If you have not read this book yet make sure you get your copy now because it is definitely a great read. I give my bravo's to this amazing author with so much respect!!!!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

It was a good read, even though it turned out to not be my cup of tea. Yes, as the author states, there is definitely a genre bending twist. However, (and I mean no disrespect) I felt like I was reading two entirely different books, or even short stories, tied together by one or two characters.

I was extremely confused with the names Veronica and Nikki being used for the same person simultaneously, often in the same paragraph. That really threw me off, even though it was written "Veronica (Nikki)" maybe twice. I still forgot it was like a middle name used as a nickname situation.

I did love the tie-in to current events and the pop culture references, though. When I first saw the title, I immediately thought of Evanescence. That was a really nice touch!

[Patty Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by Richard Simon is one of the most unusual reads in my experience. Simon is a retired DA in Ventura County, CA. The book is written like a documentary, and so convincing that I looked up the names of a couple of characters to verify if the book was a novel or a true story.

Because ADAs like Ray Scapio handle more than one case at the time, it was difficult to follow in the beginning, but soon it became clear. It's a tense, humorous, and deeply interesting insider look at the legal system in Ventura County. I live in Simi Valley and have served on a couple of juries at the Ventura County courthouse. So much of the book was familiar to me.

I didn't care for the strange turn on the last case Ray Scapio handled, but no spoilers from me.

This is a good read and very informative on our legal system.

[Melissa Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as it explores the ins and outs of court proceedings and investigation. It gives a perspective to the legal system that one does not typically get in a true crime novel. As a native of Ventura County who knows many of the mentioned locations, it added a special element of immersion into the world of Ray Scapio. I enjoy when a book follows multiple storylines that intertwine in ways that you may not expect. With the genre bending and a twist ending that I never saw coming, this book was truly a delight to read. I highly recommend that anyone with an interest in a true crime with a hankering for a touch of sci-fi reach for this book - you will not be disappointed!

[Lucinda Bendavid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A True Original

Excellent writing, especially considering it’s a first novel. There are hundreds of police procedural, legal procedurals, and thrillers written by former police, lawyers, crime journalists and medical examiners. This is unique in that it’s written by a prosecutor and is packed with interesting details about prosecution procedures and methods, along with a rip roaring story with a wacky twist. I attended a short talk by the author, he is as charming as his protagonist. I think it’s only a matter of time before Netflix or HBO picks up his books for series production. I’m elderly and have been reading this genre for decades (I’m from a law enforcement family) so it’s rare that I am surprised by anything. This was really something new and fresh.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miss the Forest for the Trees

A thug from prison targets a beautiful young Hispanic woman. He destroys her beauty or so he thinks. But police, prosecutors and an otherworldly being have other plans .

There is a story here but you have to slog through unnecessary vignettes . who cares about the assorted prosecutors quirks, practical jokes and bad habits? Or the story of why a cop hates an ada? The writing isn't bad but it is easy to miss the forest for the trees. The author clearly has good command of the law but this was not the forum to showcase it, especially when it came at the expense of the story. The otherworldly element was dumb.

[Jade Sanns]

this book was a DNF for me. the amount of detail provided about information that had nothing to do with the characters or plot was incredulous. i honestly had no idea what the book was even about while reading it. it went all over the place and focused on characters for a couple pages you only heard of once or twice. it seemed like most of the pages were just fillers and fluff just to make the book a bit thicker. very disappointed but appreciate winning this book from Goodreads.

[Jackie Levy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book because I read about it in the local paper. I live in Ventura county where the story takes place and I thought it would be fun to hear about local places. I barely made it through the beginning. This book needed an editor! I got into the first case and was finding it an interesting read. The second case also started out well, but he lost me with the explanation of how somehow was healed! I would not recommend this book.

[Paul Boylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. One of the flaws all too common within detective fiction is authors who don't really know very much about how criminal cases are investigated and prosecuted. The author of Bring Me to Life, Rich Simon, is, and has been, a deputy district attorney for decades, and his real world experience lends a rare believability to what he writes, resulting in a highly recommended, very good read. I'm looking forward to what comes next.

[Cason White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chilling and detailed. Fairly quick and easy to read because the book carries you through real-life situations that are captivating. The author places you firmly into the viewpoint of an attorney in criminal law and exposes the nuances and issues that prosecutors have to deal with in this murder mystery thriller. Author does a great job of bringing the lives of all involved with murder and serious crimes to life, as advertised.

[Roan D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Law & Order meets Sci-Fi. It’s well written and includes murder, kidnapping, and a surprising unexpected twist. It’s the perfect balance of intrigue, suspense, revenge, and a bit of comedy thrown in. The author gives very detailed insight into the criminal justice system. The characters come alive, and I found myself falling completely drawn into their world. This book is thoroughly entertaining, and I look forward to the author’s next novel…

[Amy Broome]

DNF. I hate giving up on books, but this is over a quarter of the way through and I’ve read dossiers on a lot of characters that I’ve since forgotten and I am still unclear as to what the storyline is. For me, I needed more streamlined editing to follow along. This may appeal to a reader more detail-driven, but it’s not for me. Received as a Goodreads giveaway.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it three times! The story pulls you right in and keeps you hooked from the first page to the last. This book is authentic, compelling, and contains unexpected twists that you will never see coming! The author Richard Simon’s knowledge of the legal system shines through, giving you a realistic glimpse into the complexities of prosecuting cases and seeking justice. Highly recommend!!

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers here…the book grabbed me from the first chapter and I could not put it down. The courtroom excerpts are so realistic that I felt I was in courtroom watching the narrative unfold in front of me.