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5 star		65%
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3 star		8%
2 star		2%
1 star		2%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Tampa Reader

Disappointing!

Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2019

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While I absolutely loves his first couple of books, this one fell well short of expectations. *Spoiler Alert* - This book is not a standalone book. It leaves the reader hanging at the end. I bought the next book in the series, and it had nothing to do with this ending. Amazon was kind enough to let me return it even though I read 30 pages into it.
I found that he rushed this book, the courtroom scenes were not realistic, and I felt it was written just to check a box. After the poor ending, I am done reading anything by John Ellsworth. I don't like when authors leaving you hanging, and then don't address it in the next book. To me, it's nothing more than click bait.

maurice jensen

Enjoyable by most peoples' standards. With more to read if you enjoyed this one.

Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2015

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Thaddeas Murfee has sued the Mob and won their casino in LV. His sister,Kiki, is evicted for counting deemed "unfair" because it gives the player a real chance against the odds of winning. As she is leaving, two players follow her and get uncomfortably close. She warns them and there is a shot. One of the two is fatally shot. Thaddeus takes her case, Meanwhile a contract kidnapper is planning to abduct Thaddeas' daughter.

Frankly, none of this looks the stuff of happy endings, and of course what the reader is looking for is a credible and smart "happy outcome"

This is the first book I have read by Mr. Ellsworth and it was satisfyingly fast moving and exciting that overall it was an enjoyable read.

I gave it four stars because the starting point was interesting and I wanted to know what happened-although a happy ending was more than likely
Books have to be written so well that an added dimension of "observation, perception or a combination of many skills" combine to make a
particularly good and enjoyable read.
To give an example-I'm nearing the end of Ian Rankin's "The Falls" and have no idea whodunnit. Or indeed if anything was actually done. Nailbiting and interesting! One fears the worst and hopes for the best, and it is impossible not to be concerned that the central figure's problems might scupper his investigation and/or his career. A likeable cop? Not really, A funny guy? A cunning cop? And so on...

I think he's a five but not everyone does. We all have our yardsticks of performance and the final score is a compromise. Even writers who normally tell a tale well sometimes offend or bore. I don't think Mr Ellsworth will do either-certainly this book was enjoyable

Keith Benjamin

Pacy, yet not rushed

Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2016

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Taking on the mob, the IRS, yet sensitive to the underdog. That's Thad Murfee. Trusting because he cares, and getting loyalty in return. The characters all play their part in making this jigsaw reveal a warm picture of a man who is resolute and determined to give others a break when no-one else cares.

While there are several sub-plots, they collectively build a composite of a man who goes out fighting but never losing his humanity. A heart of gold, he changes lives through compassion.

The narrative keeps you riveted with little to make it tedious. Crisp yet painting a comprehensive picture leaving nothing inconclusive. The end whets your appetite for the next installment, like a good read should.

There are a few typos which are slightly annoying but these don't detract from your reading pleasure. Highly recommended.

David A. Freas

This legal thriller series is now on my 'To Read' list

Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2015

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The more I read in this series, the more I like it, although I still have a problem with Thad having mountains of money. Yes, he spends it freely to help others and it gives him the ability to do anything he wants but to some extent, it gives the impression that money can fix everything (A million dollar retainer? Here’s a check. Need some pocket money? Here’s five grand.). It’s nice but it doesn’t work that way in the real world.

Thad’s facing three major problems here – his estranged sister is charged with first-degree murder and the attorney he hired for her has just been disbarred, Thad himself is under indictment for tax fraud, and the mob wants back the casino he took from them in a lawsuit. But Thad settles the tax fraud and murder issues in no time. What the mob does to get back what it feels is its due is the scariest part of the novel but even that climax is resolved too quickly. I would have liked to see the outcome a little more in doubt before success arrived.

At least Thad’s love life seems to be sorting itself out.

There’s a good mix of thrills, day-to-day life, and legal stuff here to satisfy almost everyone. There is however, a bit too much of how a casino works in this book for my taste. It’s nice but not necessary information.

I’m not really a big fan of legal thrillers. I read them but never actively seek them out the way I hunt for books in other genres. The only legal thrillers that automatically go on my ‘To Read’ list are Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller books. I grab those books as soon as I can.

Now there’s a second entry on that list – John Ellsworth’s Thad Murfee series.

Top reviews from other countries

Chester Studzinski

Well and truly hooked

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2020

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Can't wait to read the next one after this fabulous story. There were so many threads but you never lost track or interest in any of them and they all entwined by the end to a satisfactory conclusion leaving the reader gasping for the next episode. As usual, wonderful characters throughout the story - goodies and baddies. Yes, Mr Ellsworth, you have me well and truly hooked to the Thaddeus Murfee series.

Wesley

Unconvincing in parts

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2014

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A very enjoyable read with many interesting parts. Yet, my overall impression is that it is not as outstandingly good as other books in the series. I do not think the two Scouts were depicted as favourably as they should have been. Their recourse to unnecessary cursing is pointless and unedifying. The gruesome murder is also way too descriptive.
I found the legal manoeuvrings first rate. The failure of the bodyguards was unexpected and probably unrealistic. The end was much too abrupt. Four stars is my rating.

dixie dean

Going Downhill

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 11, 2014

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3 books published within a few months and this 3rd one seemed a bit rushed. They are easy to read so great for travel or the beach. The problem is the plot is a bit thin and not much detail which all makes it a bit unbelievable. Great if you dont want to tax the grey matter but thats as far as it goes and I like to feel the author knows considerably more than i do on the subject. Also the ending was very abrupt as if there was a publishing deadline. Still a good read but the first two books are much better.

Cherry Hammett

The Attorney at Large

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 3, 2017

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I enjoy John Ellsworth books, this one is my favourite so far. I love learning about how court works, from choosing the jury, to how they set up the evidence! Also all the things that go on to running a successful casino! Then the heartbreak of a kidnapped child.

jock strap

A good read.....

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 27, 2016

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Like all of the Ellsworth novel's I have read thus far, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. I like the pace, the character's, the plot's and the different story line's all going on.

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