USA Today bestselling author Robert Rotstein is back with The Out-of-Town Lawyer, a gripping legal thriller that throws a community into chaos and questions the very foundations of our morality.
The Quartz County, Alabama district attorney has charged Destiny Grace Harper with murdering her unborn twins—a crime punishable by death. However, Alabama v. Harper isn’t your ordinary homicide case. Harper’s babies suffered from a rare disorder called TTTS, a fatal condition if left untreated, but correctable with minimally invasive surgery. Harper refused the surgery on religious grounds, resulting in the death of both babies, and now Harper is on trial.
Enter Elvis Henderson, a traveling criminal defense attorney who roams the country in his campervan. He receives assignments from Hazel Curnow, a once iconic trial lawyer turned recluse. When Curnow assigns Elvis the Harper case, he balks—Quartz County is his home turf. He left Alabama under a dark cloud at age eighteen and has no intention of returning.
When Elvis arrives to meet his paralegal, Margaret Booth, they immediately realize the case is fraught with complications: a desperate client whose story keeps shifting; a local populace who vociferously defend the rights of the unborn; a charismatic minister whose family lords over the town; a ruthless DA with political ambitions; an old-school judge who relishes handing down capital convictions; and a sheriff who might just want Elvis dead.
An action-packed ride to a shocking verdict, The Out-of-Town Lawyer is a gripping legal thriller that explores family love, reconciliation, and the moral and legal issues that draw a fine line between tragedy and crime.
“This novel both harkens back to the golden age of legal thrillers—a tale that would make Grisham and Turow proud—but also elevates the genre to new and contemporary heights. Robert Rotstein has written a masterpiece that explores the morality and dignity of being a lawyer and a thriller for the ages.” ~ Alex Finlay, author of If Something Happens to Me
"Rotstein does an admirable job keeping up the tension en route to a series of surprising surprises. A highly original courtroom drama ripped from the headlines and then some." ~Kirkus Reviews
“The courtroom scenes sizzle and twists abound in Robert Rotstein’s THE OUT-OF-TOWN LAWYER, a smart and stylish legal thriller with sparkling dialogue and a fresh take on the conflict between government and personal autonomy. Reminiscent of Anatomy of a Murder and The Verdict—which is to say, electrifying, compelling, and authentic.” ~ Paul Levine, author of the Jake Lassiter series
"If Jack Reacher practiced law, he might look a lot like Elvis Henderson..."
~ James W. Ziskin, award-winning author
"The Out-of-Town Lawyer will keep you fascinated, and along the way, you'll accidentally learn some things. I did." ~ Thomas Perry, bestselling author of The Old Man
On the day before his twenty-first wedding anniversary, David Sullinger buried an ax in his wife’s skull. Now, eight jurors must retire to the deliberation room and decide whether David committed premeditated murder—or whether he was a battered spouse who killed his wife in self-defense. Told from the perspective of over a dozen participants in a murder trial, We, the Jury examines how public perception can mask the ghastliest nightmares. As the jurors stagger toward a verdict, they must sift through contradictory testimony from the Sullinger’s children, who disagree on which parent was Satan; sort out conflicting allegations of severe physical abuse, adultery, and incest; and overcome personal animosities and biases that threaten a fair and just verdict. Ultimately, the central figures in We, the Jury must navigate the blurred boundaries between bias and objectivity, fiction and truth.
''We the Jury has what most legal thrillers lack-total authenticity, which is spellbinding.'' —James Patterson
'Cleverly told, with a different kind of ticking clock, the drama is tough as nails, the chemistry enticing. It's both believable and evocative. You must read it.'' —Steve Berry, New York Times bestselling author of The Malta Exchange
''We, the Jury is an exceptional legal thriller that is told from multiple viewpoints during jury deliberations in a major murder case. I found myself changing my opinion on the defendant's guilt or innocence until the surprise ending.'' —Phillip Margolin, New York Times bestselling author of The Third Victim
''Rotstein skillfully creates a suspenseful story told from over a dozen points of view from the participants in the murder trial…Readers will be riveted right up to the end. Highly recommended for fans of legal thrillers.'' —Library Journal
''The best legal thriller this year. Rotstein's insight into the insidious nature of jurors and jury trials blew me away. A masterpiece of voice, character and points of view. Get it. Buy it. And become part of We The Jury.'' —Robert Dugoni, #1 Amazon, Wall Street Journal, and Internationally Best Selling Author of My Sister's Grave
''A unique, razor-sharp legal thriller—Robert Rotstein does it again!''—Nancy Allen, author of the Ozarks Mystery Legal Suspense Series
"With complex and real-life characters whose psyches Rotstein delves into deeply, We, the Jury is a unique read and not to be missed.''—Mystery Scene Magazine
A collection of three thrilling James Patterson stories: a criminal defense attorney investigating a bullying accusation, the NYPD's most brilliant detective facing her darkest fears to prevent a string of crimes, and a woman investigating the murder of her brother-in-law.
The Family Lawyer with Robert Rotstein: Matthew Hovanes is living a parent's worst nightmare: his young daughter is accused of bullying another girl into suicide. But this loving father is also a skilled criminal defense attorney. And something here doesn't add up...
Night Sniper with Christopher Charles: Cheryl Mabern is the NYPD's most brilliant and troubled detective. Now she must confront her darkest fears to stop a calculating killer committing random murders.
The Good Sister with Rachel Howzell Hall: Her beloved sister's cheating husband has been found dead. Now, Dani Lawrence must decide if she will help the investigation that could put her sister away...or obstruct it by any means necessary.
A fugitive from justice shows up on Parker Stern’s doorstep, seeking representation. Ian Holzner—better known as the Playa Delta Bomber—is about to be arrested for allegedly planting a bomb that killed four people in 1975. Parker turns down the case, until the revelation of a startling secret from Parker’s estranged mother all but forces him, against his better judgment, to change his mind. As media attention swirls around the reemerged Playa Delta Bomber, a bomb explodes and other violent acts occur. Is Holzner the mastermind behind these new attacks? At great personal risk, Parker tries to uncover the truth, all while discovering long-hidden, painful realities about his family and his own past.
“Irresistible. . . . Full of great characters, twisty surprises, and a charming lightness of touch. Highly recommended.” —LEE CHILD, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Explosive.... Memorable characters and themes that are just as timely today as they were in the ’70s help make this a deeply satisfying page-turner.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“I’m a big fan of the Parker Stern novels, and The Bomb Maker’s Son might be the best yet. . . . The characters are fresh and well developed, the plots are intricate, and there are always multiple twists to keep me reading frantically to the very last page. Put this at the top of your to-read list. Put the whole series at the top of your to-read list.” —ROBERT DUGONI, New York Times–bestselling author of My Sister’s Grave
“High on action and plot twists…. A solid series with an unusual premise, and it has built a substantial following.” —BOOKLIST
“With a hero chasing his own shadowy instincts and duplicity everywhere, this story lingers long after the last page. The storytelling is intense—the plot building layer upon tense layer.” —STEVE BERRY, New York Times–bestselling author of The Patriot Threat
“A series of firecrackers and depth charges that go right on detonating after the defense rests.” —KIRKUS REVIEWS
“The Bomb Makers Son is fast-moving with more than one surprise and enough moral dilemmas to fill up a law school exam.” —PHILLIP MARGOLIN, New York Times–bestselling author of Woman with a Gun
“Law and disorder rule in Robert Rotstein’s riveting thriller where what happens in the ’70s doesn’t stay in the ’70s. A smooth story with a strong finish.” —JULIE KRAMER, national bestselling author of Delivering Death
Former topnotch attorney Parker Stern, still crippled by courtroom stage fright, takes on a dicey case for an elusive video game designer known to the world only by the name of "Poniard." In Poniard's blockbuster online video game, Abduction!, a real-life movie mogul is charged with kidnapping and murdering a beautiful actress who disappeared in the 1980s. Predictably, the mogul—William "the Conqueror" Bishop—has responded with a libel lawsuit. Now it's up to Parker to defend the game designer in the suit. In defending Poniard, Parker discovers that people aren't who they claim to be and that nothing is as it seems. At one point, his client resorts to blackmail, threatening to expose a dark secret about Parker. Then, many of the potential witnesses who could have helped the case die prematurely, and the survivors are too frightened to talk. Parker begins to feel as if he's merely a character in a video game, fighting malevolent Level Bosses who appear out of nowhere and threaten to destroy him.
"Endless novelties, endless twists, endless complications, endless surprises in and out of the courtroom. Whatever you read legal drama for, it’s here, along with a whole lot of other stuff you never thought to ask for." —Kirkus Reviews STARRED review
"Rotstein gives his hero, L.A. courtroom attorney Parker Stern, a refreshingly new and entirely credible hero’s impediment—stage fright. . . . An intriguing aspect of this legal thriller is the way that the action tends to mimic a video game, with Stern getting more and more enmeshed with false leads and bad guys. . . . Stern is a wonderfully complex hero in an occupation that forces him to combat his limitations. And this novel’s action really puts the 'thriller' in legal thriller." —Booklist STARRED review
“Outstanding! A mesmerizing mix of legal thriller and murder mystery. . . . The plot is crisp with twists and turns I didn’t see coming. Fans of Michael Connelly will love Rotstein’s intimate knowledge of Los Angeles, and Brad Meltzer fans will appreciate the driven pace and witty dialogue. Put Reckless Disregard at the top of your reading list.” —ROBERT DUGONI, New York Times–bestselling author of Murder One
“Scintillating and twist-filled, this offers an original and wholly satisfying take on the legal thriller. Robert Rotstein’s Parker Stern character is a bold and vibrant presence in an overcrowded genre, and Stern’s personal struggles place him on par with Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller as the best courtroom hero going today. Reckless Disregard is Grisham or Turow on steroids, never failing to enthrall and entertain even as it illuminates the often-misbalanced scales of justice. It would be a crime to miss it!” —JON LAND, bestselling author of The Tenth Circle and Strong Rain Falling
“Who murdered troubled Hollywood starlet Felicity McGrath? Who, indeed. The answer to that question is sure to keep readers guessing and glued to the edges of their seats until the final page. . . . The plot is ingenious; the writing, top-shelf. If you like your mysteries smart and provocative, this book’s for you.” —DAVID FREED, author of the Cordell Logan series
“Once again, Robert Rotstein has delivered the goods. Reckless Disregard is fast-paced, rich in character, and provocative, first to last—it has everything you could hope for in a legal thriller.” —LES STANDIFORD, author of Water to the Angels
A Los Angeles church, considered by some to be a powerful cult, charges Rich Baxter with embezzling millions. Rich reaches out to former colleague and star trial attorney Parker Stern to come to his defense. Parker despises the cult, but he hasn’t entered a courtroom since developing severe stage fright after his mentor, Harmon Cherry, committed suicide. Rich claims that Cherry did not kill himself—he was murdered by someone connected to the church. At first, Parker doesn’t believe it . . . until disturbing events force him to question what’s really happening. As the case takes an unexpected turn, Parker surprises himself and agrees to take on the church. But to represent his client and uncover the truth he must overcome his own long-buried secrets.
“This is a terrific book. Just terrific. Robert Rotstein has come up with a fresh take on the legal thriller and he does a first-rate job. Parker Stern is a complex and well-developed protagonist and the story is beautifully structured for maximum intrigue and suspense.” —SUE GRAFTON, #1 New York Times–bestselling author
“An intelligent, fast-paced, exciting thriller with an intricate plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending had my heart pounding. I stayed up late, finished it in two sittings, and wished there had been more.” —ROBERT DUGONI, New York Times–bestselling author of Murder One
"A tautly constructed, fast-moving narrative with an appealing protagonist. . . . This promises to be a compelling series for legal-thriller fans. Get in at the start." —BOOKLIST, STARRED review
“Be prepared to put everything down and read through the night. Rotstein is a master of lightning-fast plot shifts and startling characterizations. Sexy, riveting, and keenly crafted, Corrupt Practices is well worth the insomnia.” —TERRI CHENEY, New York Times–bestselling author of Manic
“Corrupt Practices gives you all the pleasures of a legal thriller . . . but it is also just a beautiful novel. The characters are weird, interesting, flawed, and psychologically complex, and the portrayal of various Los Angeles subcultures . . . is authoritative and insightful. [It’s] both a wild ride and a profoundly satisfying literary experience.” —MATTHEW SHARPE, author of Jamestown
“An intriguing, deftly paced legal thriller. The scenes ring with authenticity and the story peels back layer after layer of surprises.”
—PAUL GOLDSTEIN, author of Havana Requiem
“The kind of rich and entertaining read that will please a wide range of legal thriller fans. . . . It is that rare sort of book—one that leaves you feeling entertained and a better person for having read it.” —LES STANDIFORD, author of Bringing Adam Home
"A steady stream of intriguing revelations delivered in a lively, precise style will keep readers turning the pages."
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY