A Conflict of Interest

A Novel

By: Adam Mitzner

Narrated by: David LeDoux

Length: 11 hrs and 33 mins

Publisher's summary

Earphones Award Winner (AudioFile Magazine)

A stunning debut thriller in the best-selling tradition of Scott Turow and John Grisham!

Alex Miller is a criminal defense lawyer leading the life he always imagined. At thirty-five, he is the youngest partner at New York City's most prestigious law firm, with a beautiful wife and a perfect daughter. When Alex's father suddenly passes away, Alex is introduced to Michael Ohlig, a rich and powerful man who holds an almost mythical place in his family lore. But Alex is surprised when Ohlig admits that he's in serious legal trouble, accused of crimes involving hundreds of millions of dollars. Alex agrees to take on Ohlig's defense.

Through the course of two trials, secrets are revealed that force Alex to question whether any of the people in his life are who they appear to be. Most importantly, he must decide whether the identity he projects to the world is the man he truly is or even wants to be.

With its powerful voice, pause-resistant tension, and strong cast of characters, A Conflict of Interest will captivate listeners right up to its electrifying conclusion.

©2011 Adam Mitzner (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"This outstanding first novel follows Defense Attorney Alex Miller and his young family through the grinding world of high-priced criminal defense in New York City, detailing what can happen to an otherwise nice guy. David LeDoux's minimalist narration style works well. He imbues all the characters with a distinctive sound and unique persona." (AudioFile)

"More twists than a California cloverleaf interchange." (Bookreporter)

"This gifted writer should have a long and successful career ahead of him." (Publishers Weekly)

Not bad, but not clever enough

The story is enticing and, like others have said, it's a page-turner. However, many of the "turns" are far too predictable. I never like it when I figure out plot twists before they happen, and in this case I saw several of them coming -- and I am not very smart. On the other hand, the narration is good and captures the persona of the main character pretty well.

Gripping legal thriller -- multi-layered

Would you consider the audio edition of A Conflict of Interest to be better than the print version?

I have not looked at the print edition so I cannot say. The narration by David LeDoux was clear, appropriate, and compelling to listen to.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Alex, the central protagonist, was probably my favorite character. He's not precisely likable but at least he's complex and multi-faceted.

What does David LeDoux bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved his voice. It is a full, rich, baritone. Furthermore, his voice is very expressive and he modulates appropriately if he is shifting to the dialogue of a woman or a 5 year old girl.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was gripping but too long to plausibly listen to in one sitting. I was very intrigued so I kept wanting to turn back to it. I listened to this while working on the elliptical, the strength-training machines, the bicycle, the tread-mill at the gym and it got me going to the gym every day which was my goal.

Any additional comments?

I cannot wait for Mitzner to write another. This book may not be Shakespeare, but it's a great gripping read. There are many mysteries and surprises in the novel and I don't want to give any of them away so I am cautious in my commentary, but suffice it to say that I wish Mitzner had dozens of other books for me to listen to!

Adam Mitzner - A New Fav Author

I listened to a Case For Redemption first and liked the book very much. The more I listened, the more I couldn't stop. The story is well-developed with scenes that you don't see coming.

Although I liked Cased For Redemption, I thought that the narrator may have played a big part in my interest, but I am pleased to say that A Conflict of Interest did not disappoint. Both narrators are good, but the author brings the characters to life and keeps you guessing.

I look forward to Mitzner's next book!

Good Read!

Full of Conflicts

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, I would recommend this audiobook. It's a good "listen." Very interesting plot

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It is riveting. There is so much innuendo going on, it takes some careful listening to get the whole deal. The behavior of people in this book may have been unbelievable 30 years ago. But in today's world of information, we know these people exist.

Which scene was your favorite?

I would give away one of the points the plot pivots on if I told that.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Gee, I wish movies were this good. No kidding aside, Do You Really Know Who Has Your Back?

Good, Not Great

What made the experience of listening to A Conflict of Interest the most enjoyable?

Good story; however, too much was not plausible. Story dragged a bit; but I finished it and enjoyed it... not loved it, but enjoyed it.

Would you recommend A Conflict of Interest to your friends? Why or why not?

Probably not; too many exceptional books out there...

Which scene was your favorite?

Trial in Florida; a few twists and turns.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

No..

My interest wained...

This best part of this book, for me, was the last 3 minutes...and I listened to that twice so far, and will probably listen to it again. But was comment on living life, not really the end of the book. I didn't really like Alex, he was pretty shallow, and the book just seemed to go on forever... the climaxes - (I think it had 5 parts of the story), never had the punch I was anticipating. I did enjoy David LeDoux's narration.

excellent, keep you on the edge of the sofa, edgy

mystery that delivers! the ending is the cincher since we are left not knowing who the real father is.

Great start, but it stubbed it's toe at the end

I wanted the bad guy to be the finisher, but honesty and morality won out. Everyone got their chance to wipe their feet on our good guy lawyer and in the end he just says everyone is right from their side and he goes on kissing everyone's you know what

EXCELLENT LEGAL THRILLER!

Any additional comments?

I love thrillers and add the legal to it, it becomes even more fascinating.

Alex's father has just passed away and he finally gets to meet the all illusive Michael Ohlig. Someone he has heard about most of his life but never met. When they do meet Ohlig asks Alex to represent him in a criminal investigation that is going on with one of his companies.

Alex has a lot to take in. His dad just died and this mystery friend just asked him to represent him. Alex's job has him already working way too much, and he doesn't think his wife would appreciate the added load.

I guess he should have listened to his wife! ;) Nothing good happens when you don't listen to your wife...hehe Plus his marriage was already in a lull...

Needless to say, as soon as Alex takes Ohlig's case things in his personal life, and work life start to change.

Work is getting confusing. It seems that Ohlig and his life are more intertwined than he thought. As secrets come out, Alex finds out that mixing his personal life and his work life together is a recipe for disaster.

I really enjoyed this book. It kept me on my toes and the narrator was great. I devoured the book in just a couple of days. Usually I only listen when I am cleaning or driving, but I found myself with my ear buds in listening to it all the time.

Without giving the ending away, I love how everything is discovered and how Alex has to face the choices he has made.

If you like legal thrillers, I think you will enjoy this one. I listened to it and I think I am glad I did. There is a lot of legal stuff in there that I probably would have skipped over if I was reading it....but it is important. I would have missed some things if I read it.

Content: Language, and sexual innuendo, and some sex, but I don't remember it being explicit.

Source: I bought this book on Audible for myself. I was not compensated in any way for the review. These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Love it!

I loved this book. Not quite done with it yet but it was captivating. Keep it going!