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A crime against all – stealing one’s life blood. It prolongs life! It gives strength and power. Such exotic luxuries come at a high price. Those who have been drained? “Donors” but not quite volunteers. That’s why they’re kidnapped, never to be heard from again. Taken from their families and removed from existence. Who would do such a thing? Do the ones paying for this blood know where it comes from? Which crime is greatest? The Magistrate is called in to end the nightmare, but she can’t do it alone. Rivka enlists the aid of two with the most intimate knowledge. The Magistrate heads out to dismantle the Blood Trade, going for the throat of both buyers and suppliers. The perpetrators have money and power and won’t easily give them up. Magistrate Rivka Anoa is the legal eagle you want on your side. No better friend. No worse enemy. Get it today. Judge, Jury, & Executioner is within the Kurtherian Gambit Universe, but you don’t need to read those to enjoy these. Start with You Have Been Judged and enjoy the stories of Rivka and her team. Just lock in your seatbelt, grab your favorite drink, and be ready for your socks to be blown off.

294 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2023

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About the author

Craig Martelle

339 books7,902 followers
Visit 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.

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5 stars
418 (78%)
4 stars
94 (17%)
3 stars
18 (3%)
2 stars
2 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Katy.
1,600 reviews12 followers
June 26, 2022
I don't know how they do it, but Craig Martelle and Michael Anderle, made this book even more awesome than the previous one - and that one rocked!

Blood Trade really showed the underbelly of criminal behaviour, and also how some of those people, who have more than enough money, and authority already, will still do anything to get even more of what they want - so, no change there, hey?

It showed that it didn't matter what position in society you might be, whether in the giddy heights of society, or deep down with the dregs that fall through the cracks of our societies.

If there is something missing in your makeup, then you will so often get to the point, that people become disposable to you, in order to gain more of whatever it is that you want.

Whether this is a result of a lack of compassion, or empathy, or any of the various brakes that we have instilled in us as we grow up - if we are fortunate enough to have examples that show us, that is - then this is bound to keep these people from being a true part of society, even if they learn to hide that part of themselves from others!

In Blood Trade, that was shown to the hilt, especially in those who are supposed to be helping and protecting the innocent, rather than gaining ever more wealth, and influence, over people.

Every time I read a Rivka book, it makes me wish there were people like her to protect us all from the evil that mankind visits on itself. We DO have some champions of honour, and justice, but they are too few, in a world growing ever more crazier.

But, this is just one of the good reasons for enjoying Rivka, and her ever expanding crew, and I'm so k that Craig and Michael brought them all into existence!

What I also loved about this particular book, is the fact that, although Rivka had dealt with the issue of the Blood Trade before, none of the plotline mirrored the previous book - well, apart from poor Joseph and Petricia, being captured again, of course - though, I was very happy to read, that Joseph got to the perpetrators before Rivka, so that he could, at least, have closure! Lol

I was really intrigued at the ending of the story, and am really glad that my reading list tells me that I can go straight on to the next book in the series: The Interview.

I'm really hoping that this next book follows on from this one, as I'd love to know what happened next!
Profile Image for Sandy Chapman.
240 reviews5 followers
May 15, 2021
My favorite book in my favorite series!

All the books in this series have been great and I'm now working to add the Audible editions to my library. It has been so much fun and has helped to fill the vacancy from the ending of the TH Walton series, which I have read and listened too multiple times.
I love seeing glimpses of them in their cameo appearances in this series.
But that doesn't mean this series doesn't shine on its own. I look forward to reach book marking release dates on my calendar. And, in my opinion, this was the best yet. Although I must admit that this seemed to be there case with each book released! I recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys sci-fi with lots of adventure, page turning action and enough humor that rounds it out perfectly!
If you have read either of these series you don't want to miss this one. The last paragraph will leave you ready for the next. So Craig, the other series you are writing will be fine, I'm sure I'm not the only one already ready for the ride the next book in this series will take us on. Stay healthy! Enjoy the new dog, know you've been missing your old love. Will be looking forward to seeing pictures of your newest family member! I think I enjoy your authors notes as much as the stories.
6,367 reviews39 followers
September 18, 2021

There's a great advantage to the people who try to enforce the law and that is that their bodies can be given nanocytes that give them great healing powers, strength them and build up their bodies.

The problem with that is shown in this book and that is bad people want the same advantages so in this case they kidnap people who have been given these extra abilities by their nanocytes. They keep them unconscious while they drain them of blood, over and over, and then sell the blood to the bad people.

It's this situation that Rivka and the others have to deal with. It starts with one of the Bad Company men being taken but it gets worse from there, having a major effect on the people that work with Rivka. What makes it even worse is that two of the beings behind this blood trade and using it are high officials.

So Rivka and company will have to find out who is behind the blood trade, rescue their own from the evil ones and try to do this without stirring up major political trouble at the same time.

Another really good book in this series.
1,242 reviews18 followers
May 29, 2021
Another homerun in the series, keep knocking them out of the park.

I immensely enjoyed this book, read it in one sitting. I really don’t have anything bad to say about it. I enjoyed the guest appearances by Joseph and Patricia, they have good qualities and I believe they should be on the team. After all Joseph can do things that Rivka cannot. Anyway it was great that they made an appearance. The book was fast paced, had plenty of action, good character development and plenty of humor. Since this seems to be the only book set in the KGU besides the main series this is my favorite series. If you have not read it or any of the books in the series I highly suggest you do so you will enjoy it immensely and learn a little about the law. As far as I’m concerned judge jury and executioner is a bona fide hit, if you look at my good reds page you will see that I did not read most books as highly as this one. Read it you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Rosemary.
4,038 reviews74 followers
July 24, 2021
Blood Trade - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Magistrate Rivka Anoa is recalled to the Wyatt Earp, to discuss with her colleague, Grainger, the illegal trade in enhanced blood, that's drained and sold on the black market, from kidnap victims, including two waylaid Bad Company soldiers.
Rivka has limited success at the last place one of the victims was, (with a woman known to be a spy), but perseveres. Later she arrests a doctor and his VIP blood transfusion client, caught in the very act.
Her team, Sahved, Joseph, Petricia, Cole, Dennicron, Lindy and Red are with her, until three of them are suddenly snatched in an ambush.

What happens next will thrill you to the core and make you eager to live this space opera winner, Blood Trade, by the amazing Craig Martelle, vicariously, with your heart pounding and the adrenaline flowing freely. Get it today!
225 reviews4 followers
June 18, 2021
Guest stars from Bad Company

I loved that Joseph & Petricia were guest stars! They were perfect in their roles. With Joseph's set of talents, confessions weren't necessary: these two were also looking for closure.

This was a serious set of crimes - taking not only a person's free will, but part of their body as well. Rivka Anoa, The Queen's Magistrate, had some thinking to do in order to keep cool heads prevailing. And when the plan goes belly-up, she blows off Red & Lindy to get their other people back. And what's going on with Doctor Toofakre?


This installment was so much fun: lots of action, intrigue, bad guys, innocents & Bad Company as well. I read this book straight through. It was a really good read.
70 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2021
Great outing for Rivka and Friends

One of the things I love about this series is the balance between character development and plot procedures. Rivka, the Bad Company boys and her menagerie ( Wyatt s word,not mine) move together in a relatively seamless adventure. From the empath with issues, to the confident woman she is revealed to be in this book Rivkas grown and expanded in many delightful and unexpected ways. Craig Martelle's handling of the legal issues, possible interpretations of case law and grasp of how fictional justice might be meted out adds additional dimension to the stories. I am excited for the next installment.
97 reviews
May 17, 2021
As always, a good read

When I laugh out loud, you know it’s a good book. I enjoy these characters and how they evolve through this series. I just wished Rivka had a different man. One with a stronger character other than the good doctor, the dentist. He seems wrong for her to me. I always think she needs someone stronger, a little more badass. I don’t know, maybe opposites attract but he still seems wrong to me. Otherwise all the characters fit, just right, in her menagerie.
56 reviews
May 21, 2021
Woooaaah crazy action!!!

Literally didn’t stop for a breather or wven to take time to hold the wee lass for Pete’s sake..Rick’s definitely needs a real vacay. Loved seeing Joseph and Patricia but I don’t think she spoke more than a few words the whole book..? The cat people were way interesting esp the poison claws or whatnot I wanted more info this book moved super fast compared to others you give more depth in places I felt like was missing. Love the crew and I’ll see them on their next ride.
20 reviews
June 5, 2021
Great adventure storm

From the first book of this series I was hooked and stayed hooked until the last book. The author made his characters so believable that you just can't help but accept and love them with all their quirks and annoying traits. Most series tend to be boring because they seem to use the same theme over and over again but Craig Marshall managed to change the stories enough to keep it interesting. I also loved his sense of humor. Can't wait for his next book.
872 reviews7 followers
May 27, 2021
Warning, addictive read enclosed for this book

There should have been a warning in a preface of the addictively fun read that is this book. That or a note to start it early in the day or you will be up until midnight to finish it. 😃. Tons of fun action, a lot of increased depth for the character story and universe building, and did I mention a really fun read? I definitely recommend this book and series.
Profile Image for Kathy Dulohery-Hedrick.
47 reviews3 followers
May 29, 2021
Masterful

Craig Martelle is one of today's finest. This certainly isn't the first mega story, but is as good as Terry Henry Walton Chronicles. I love the characters, especially when members of The Bad Company pops in to help out with a case/mission. The menagerie, as put by the High Chancellor, keeps growing in the most interesting ways.
Grab this series, with this latest one being both fun and interesting .
Profile Image for Debra Stubbins.
335 reviews
April 17, 2022
Brilliant Legal Eagle Series

Rivka, Rivka, Rivka what an absolute brilliant character from Craig Martelle. I love how she cares so much for her crew family and her missions…or cases as Rivka would say. She always goes the extra miles for those in danger, especially if they are part of her crew or the latest case. The betting is hilarious and I am so glad to see it continue, makes for interesting times to see what bets are won.
Now to start book 13
100 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2021
Fantastic

As usual superb writing. A story that is so interesting and intriguing that the reader is pulled along until before you know it the end has happened. The characters are as always well developed with plenty of quirky and funny things happening to and being said by them. Can't wait for the next book in the series from this master author.
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
May 16, 2021
Loved this story

Absolutely loved this story and you included two of my favorite people Joseph and Petricia as well as a small shot of TH and Char. Rivak is always the best with the crew and Tyler, her hunk of man candy. She is great at what she does and they do an outstanding job of investigating. This one was up their with the best of them. I really like the ending.
Profile Image for Scott.
1,506 reviews12 followers
May 17, 2021
Just love this series

The crew of their friends is in jeopardy and its good to see even TW and Nathans company needs help sometimes so its surprising when its taken this long for a Blood trade to wait this long for a case for our fave magistrate to intervene.
A good follow up in this series with the usual legal complications.
Profile Image for Julie.
989 reviews
June 2, 2021
Awesome as always

Rivka and her crew are after a group who are kidnapping people and draining them of their blood. They have to find enough evidence to stop them and save the kidnapped before it's too late. There is a lot of action and humor in this book and it was so good I could not put it down. I am so glad the series will continue and cannot wait for the next book.
609 reviews
July 29, 2021
Unbelievable… 12 down and still going strong!

It pretty much sums it up to say that this is the 12th volume in a series, and I can’t wait for the 13th. That each of the books has been a best seller in several categories pretty much simply repeats the same fact. Get on board and enjoy!
5 reviews
January 25, 2024
Love the story! and am actually referring to the whole series....I have finished reading all of the books and I have to tell you, I was captured! by the Judge and her team! I cannot wait until book 21, and am actually going back to book one and re-reading to savor them all again.

Well Done!!

Profile Image for Veronica.
1,018 reviews5 followers
May 14, 2021
An old problem resurfaces, and we see old friends return to help. I love this series, and this was just as good as, I’d not better than, the previous stories. I’m very excited to see there will be more books to come, too.
Profile Image for Wanda binz.
838 reviews6 followers
May 14, 2021
Excellent

This is an exciting and entertaining story with the legalese that is part and parcel of the story. The characters are a family of choice to each other. It has my highest compliment that you will lose sleep on this book. ENJOY!
Profile Image for Michele bookloverforever.
8,337 reviews39 followers
May 16, 2021
To anyone familiar with Mr Anderle's earlier vampire novels, A very old crime finds new markets, victims The magistrate is brought in as is a familiar character from Bad Company only too familiar with the crime. the ending is a surprise
16 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2021
To find the truth.

This book took me to a level i could not foresee. The ending was great I would never have foreseen this unexpected ending and I truly hope it is not the ending. It is truly deserving of more for Joseph’s sake and my sanity.
Profile Image for Ann Zdunczyk.
1,164 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2021
Blood Trade

Someone is kidnapping enhanced people to take their blood. They are kept alive so they can be used over and over. The mistake they made was taking a warrior from the Bad Company! Their will be hell to pay!
90 reviews
May 29, 2021
Great book. I look forward to JJE 13

What a fun story. It had humor, chases, and tons off action. I would recommend this story to anyone who would like to read a space adventure thriller. JJE is a great series.
151 reviews1 follower
May 30, 2021
Extremely good read,

As I don't usually give reviews unless they are for something exceptional, this series is. I have been reading this series since the first book was offered and have read every book released since, have never regretted it. This is as good as it gets. Dan
355 reviews3 followers
June 7, 2021
Rivka has a job to do

To put it simply, she has to stop the blood trade. With the addition of Joseph and Petrecia, former victims of the trade, she has to stop and find a kidnapped member of the Bad Company before he totally vanished as an unwilling donor. A great read.
365 reviews2 followers
June 22, 2021
A Wild Ride, Action Packed Adventure, and a New Addition

Thank goodness for gates and additional ships. The story took everyone in many directions chasing the bad guys. Every book just gets better and better. I can't wait for the next one. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Don Joergens.
12 reviews
August 4, 2021
Martelle tells a GREAT story!

JJ&E has incredible characters in alignment with Michael Anderle’s original epic creations. You become fanatical in your melding with the crew of Wyatt Earp
777 reviews3 followers
October 1, 2021
Good Story Ended Abruptly

This one started off great, but the ending was a little too quick. It seemed that Rivka had a cameo appearance at the end. She seemed not her usual confident self.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews