The #1 Lawyer
- Downloads：6508
- Type：Epub+TxT+PDF+Mobi
- Create Date：2024-03-20 17:21:56
- Update Date：2025-09-15
- Status：finish
- Author：James Patterson
- ISBN：0316499676
- Environment：PC/Android/iPhone/iPad/Kindle
Reviews
Curt Dunnam
，
"The #1 Lawyer” by James Patterson and Nancy Allen was an entertaining 5-star read！ Stafford Lee Penney is undefeated as a defense attorney in Biloxi， Mississippi。 Shortly after winning the biggest case， his wife is murdered， sending Stafford Lee into a dark spiral。 With the help of his friends Mason and Jenny， he claws his way back into the courtroom。I have always been a fan of James Patterson’s novels。 Over the last couple of years， I felt like we weren’t getting his best work。 That changed wi "The #1 Lawyer” by James Patterson and Nancy Allen was an entertaining 5-star read！ Stafford Lee Penney is undefeated as a defense attorney in Biloxi， Mississippi。 Shortly after winning the biggest case， his wife is murdered， sending Stafford Lee into a dark spiral。 With the help of his friends Mason and Jenny， he claws his way back into the courtroom。I have always been a fan of James Patterson’s novels。 Over the last couple of years， I felt like we weren’t getting his best work。 That changed with “The #1 Lawyer”; this story was outstanding。 The story has a fast pace that makes you want to keep reading。 If you are a fan of James Patterson or legal thrillers， then you need to run to the bookstore to get this book！Thanks to Little， Brown and Company， James Patterson， Nancy Allen， and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review。 。。。more
Eileen
，
James Patterson is one of my favorite authors and wow was this another winner！！！ I loved that the book was set in Louisiana， it felt so fresh and new。 I especially appreciated the twists and turns that kept me guessing the entire time。 With all of James Patterson books he writes in such a way that you are immediately drawn into the storyline and can not put the book down。 I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a page turner and solid plot。
bob altieri
，
could not put this novel downThe constantly evolving of multiple story scenarios kept my focus and my interest。 At no time did I anticipate the ending。
Crista
，
This book！ Draws you in so quickly and then turns everything upside down。 Loved it。 Great job James Patterson and Nancy AllenNancy Allen。 I'm ready for the sequel and the made for TV movie！ This book！ Draws you in so quickly and then turns everything upside down。 Loved it。 Great job James Patterson and Nancy AllenNancy Allen。 I'm ready for the sequel and the made for TV movie！ 。。。more
PottWab Regional Library
，
O
Emily
，
It had been too long since I had read one of this author’s books。 It was as twisty and unexpected as I remember。 The story follows the main character， Stafford Lee Penney。 We see him through several different stages in his career and life。 Imagine being at the top of your game， and then having it all taken away。 This storyline was so interesting and intense pretty much from page one。 I know there’s always people that say they had it figured out， but I’ll admit that I was surprised。 Definitely gi It had been too long since I had read one of this author’s books。 It was as twisty and unexpected as I remember。 The story follows the main character， Stafford Lee Penney。 We see him through several different stages in his career and life。 Imagine being at the top of your game， and then having it all taken away。 This storyline was so interesting and intense pretty much from page one。 I know there’s always people that say they had it figured out， but I’ll admit that I was surprised。 Definitely give this book a try。 See if you can figure it out。 。。。more
Stacey Feehley
，
Stafford Lee Penney is an incredibly successful lawyer who is at the top of his game; has never lost a case but his life is far from perfect。 A chain of events from his most recent case defending Dr。 Caro who was accused of murdering his lover who was also a patient。 After the not guilty verdict is read， Stafford Lee should be celebrating but things start to change for the worse and before he knows it he is being charged with murder。 What went so wrong that Stafford lee has lost almost everythin Stafford Lee Penney is an incredibly successful lawyer who is at the top of his game; has never lost a case but his life is far from perfect。 A chain of events from his most recent case defending Dr。 Caro who was accused of murdering his lover who was also a patient。 After the not guilty verdict is read， Stafford Lee should be celebrating but things start to change for the worse and before he knows it he is being charged with murder。 What went so wrong that Stafford lee has lost almost everything in the blink of an eye？ This story will have you full engaged and wanting to read more every turn of the page。 Thank you Netgalley， the publisher and authors for my ARC！ 。。。more
Julie Ditton
，
James Patterson’s newest novel is a legal thriller that you can’t put down。 Stafford Lee Penny is “The #1 Lawyer” in town and is at the top of his game， when tragedy strikes。 Although legally cleared of murder， lingering suspicion ruins his career and sends him into a tailspin。 Will reinventing himself save his career？ Patterson has once again teamed up with author Nancy Allen to create a seemingly authentic legal thriller。 The characters are well rounded， Stafford Lee is a wonderfully flawed pr James Patterson’s newest novel is a legal thriller that you can’t put down。 Stafford Lee Penny is “The #1 Lawyer” in town and is at the top of his game， when tragedy strikes。 Although legally cleared of murder， lingering suspicion ruins his career and sends him into a tailspin。 Will reinventing himself save his career？ Patterson has once again teamed up with author Nancy Allen to create a seemingly authentic legal thriller。 The characters are well rounded， Stafford Lee is a wonderfully flawed protagonist。 The plot， as usual for a Patterson book， is convoluted and will keep the reader guessing until the end。 The typical numerous short chapters create a pace that makes this book another page-turner。 Although the book did plant a couple clues that point to solving the crimes， I feel that the clues were a little too sparse。 I enjoy a book that keeps me guessing to the end。 But I also want to be able to look back and realize that the clues were there for me to notice。 That said， I still loved the book and hope to see a new series。 Will "the #1 Lawyer" defend "The #2 Suspect"？ 。。。more
Luanne Ollivier
，
New from James Patterson and Nancy Allen - The #1 Lawyer。Patterson and Allen take us down to Biloxi， Mississippi and to the law office of Stafford Lee Penney。 Stafford Lee hasn't lost a case yet - hence the #1。 But you know what they say - what goes up， has to come down。。。。I have always enjoyed legal thrillers。 The machinations behind closed doors， the hunt for a clue， a witness， that 'thing' that will turn the tables and secure a favorable win。 In this case Stafford Lee is a defense lawyer。 I e New from James Patterson and Nancy Allen - The #1 Lawyer。Patterson and Allen take us down to Biloxi， Mississippi and to the law office of Stafford Lee Penney。 Stafford Lee hasn't lost a case yet - hence the #1。 But you know what they say - what goes up， has to come down。。。。I have always enjoyed legal thrillers。 The machinations behind closed doors， the hunt for a clue， a witness， that 'thing' that will turn the tables and secure a favorable win。 In this case Stafford Lee is a defense lawyer。 I enjoy the theatrics of the courtroom， the keen eyes that 'read' the jurors and the abilty to turn tactics on the spot。 Patterson and Allen give us a great case in the first few chapters of the book。 And it was everything I detailed above。 There's a great surprise at the end of that case that caught me off guard。 And the book took a different direction。 One I was happy to follow！ The direction the plot took kept me engaged。Now， the characters。 Stafford Lee is a good lead and embodies what you would expect in a lawyer as a lead。 He thinks quick on his feet， but again - that up has to come down。 I really liked Jenny， the firm's private eye。 She's tough， thinks for herself and is driven。The novel is told in short chapters and succinct sentences - classic Patterson style。 Nancy Allen is a lawyer herself and the book benefits from that inside knowledge。 Patters and Allen have co-written two previous legal tales together。 I wonder if there will be a second book with Stafford Lee and company？ I would happily pick it up。 。。。more
Susan Hamann
，
Stafford Lee is a great lawyer。 He wins every case， even when it seems impossible。 Then something happens and he hits rock bottom before he can claw himself back up。But somehow he's angered the wrong people and they are making him pay。 And pay， and pay。Great characters， fast paced。 Many twists。 The book can leave you breathless。 Written in the style of a John Grisham novel， this is one that shouldn't be missed。 Stafford Lee is a great lawyer。 He wins every case， even when it seems impossible。 Then something happens and he hits rock bottom before he can claw himself back up。But somehow he's angered the wrong people and they are making him pay。 And pay， and pay。Great characters， fast paced。 Many twists。 The book can leave you breathless。 Written in the style of a John Grisham novel， this is one that shouldn't be missed。 。。。more
Mary
，
Thanks to the publisher and james patterson street team for giving me an early copy。This book kept my attention。 It was hard to put down！ There were several unexpected twists and turns。 My prediction for the book’s ending was for the most part wrong but that’s good because I don’t like a predictable book。
Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy
，
Sleep is completely unnecessary when I start reading a James Patterson novel。 This newest thriller was no exception。 This is definitely not the normal type of story that we see from this author， but oh boy was it good。 This legal thriller reads more like a John Grisham novel with Mr。 Patterson's thriller touch。 It is even set in the south in Biloxi， Mississippi。Stafford Lee Penney is a top notch criminal defense attorney。 He has never lost a case。 He is definitely the man you want in your corner Sleep is completely unnecessary when I start reading a James Patterson novel。 This newest thriller was no exception。 This is definitely not the normal type of story that we see from this author， but oh boy was it good。 This legal thriller reads more like a John Grisham novel with Mr。 Patterson's thriller touch。 It is even set in the south in Biloxi， Mississippi。Stafford Lee Penney is a top notch criminal defense attorney。 He has never lost a case。 He is definitely the man you want in your corner on your day in court。 He is fearless， highly intelligent and electric in the courtroom。 In his newest case he may be in over his head for the first time in his career。 He is not as sure about a win for this one， but he will never admit defeat to anyone。 After winning this case， he is riding on cloud nine when he learns his wife has been killed。 The circumstances of her death are scandalous。 He falls into a deep depression and cannot function as a contributing member of society， much less an attorney。 Never count Stafford Lee Penney down for the count。 His comeback and further struggles will have you flying through the pages of this book all while rooting for his victory in every area of his life。 The suspense and intrigue abound， and the mystery continues to deepen the further you get into the book which will pull you into the black hole of no sleep until you finish， as per usual。 I hope this is just the beginning of this new character。 I really， really liked Stafford Lee Penney。 I could see myself reading many more books with him at center stage。 Readers who enjoy thrillers with a legal edge to them will enjoy this book immensely。 Both authors' styles and expertise shine through the pages。 Let's see another one soon。Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC。 I am leaving this review voluntarily。 。。。more
Samantha
，
James Patterson just never disappoints！ I was so lucky to yet again receive a copy of one of his books。 This one is titled The #1 Lawyer。 An amazing thriller， very suspenseful and a quick read。 Definitely kept me guessing the entire time。 Available for preorder now， and goes on sale tomorrow 3/18/24。 Thank you authors and publishers for the book！！！
Judi
，
Happy Publication Day to Patterson and Allen on March 18th！When you take a courtroom drama and mix in the twists and turns of a good mystery， you have found my favorite kind of book。 James Patterson is one of my favorite authors， but this is not his usual type of book。 That is the part I found fascinating。The story takes place in Biloxi， Mississippi， and I thought it would just be like another Grisham book， but I was wrong。 Then you bring in a lawyer like the Lincoln Lawyer series， and I thought Happy Publication Day to Patterson and Allen on March 18th！When you take a courtroom drama and mix in the twists and turns of a good mystery， you have found my favorite kind of book。 James Patterson is one of my favorite authors， but this is not his usual type of book。 That is the part I found fascinating。The story takes place in Biloxi， Mississippi， and I thought it would just be like another Grisham book， but I was wrong。 Then you bring in a lawyer like the Lincoln Lawyer series， and I thought it would be like a Connelly book。 Now take those two and add in Patterson's special way of writing。 You have the short chapters that somehow make you want to keep reading forever to find out what is next， and characters that you cheer on throughout the book。 You think you have the story all figured out， but then you remember that Patterson wrote it， and you know you are going to be wrong。I also appreciated that he co-authored with Nancy Allen， who brought in her legal expertise to the book。 It was a great match。I would be interested in reading more books about Stafford Lee， the main character， and Jennie， his private investigator。 I think I would hang out with the both of them in real life。I gave this book 4。5 stars。 It would be five stars， but it started out just a little slow for me。 After the first few chapters， though， I couldn't put it down。 I was given this book for my honest review。 。。。more
Heather
，
Thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrownandCompany for the book #The#1Lawyer by #JamesPatterson and #NancyAllen。 This book is amazing！ I love all the murder and mayhem and the finger pointing。 It is a crazy ride and I read it on two sittings。 I highly recommend this book that has affairs， love， hate and plenty of murders。
Courtney
，
#1 Lawyer is definitely my favorite James Patterson book in a LONG time！ The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t stand to put the book down。 This was a thrilled whodunit and I could figure out the person（s） responsible。 However， I absolutely hated the main character’s name。 Stafford Lee is definitely an out of the box name and it just annoyed me so badly。 Luckily the book was good enough to sort of distract me from the awful name。 But I really did enjoy it。
Jessica
，
I love James Patterson books。 He is the only author I read before I found bookstagram。 I did really like this one but about 30% through I felt like it wasn’t matching the synopsis。 It eventually all came together nicely。
Christine
，
The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen is an entertaining legal thriller。 I've read many James Patterson books， but I'm also a fan of the co-author， Nancy Allen。 Together， the two authors have created a tense， suspenseful， and sometimes stressful story。 I was rooting for the main character， Stafford Lee Penney when he was the "#1 lawyer"， and after his fall from grace。 Other than that， it was hard to know who to trust in this twisty mystery/thriller。 There were a couple of other charac The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen is an entertaining legal thriller。 I've read many James Patterson books， but I'm also a fan of the co-author， Nancy Allen。 Together， the two authors have created a tense， suspenseful， and sometimes stressful story。 I was rooting for the main character， Stafford Lee Penney when he was the "#1 lawyer"， and after his fall from grace。 Other than that， it was hard to know who to trust in this twisty mystery/thriller。 There were a couple of other characters I liked， but since it was clear someone was double-crossing Stafford Lee， I was afraid to get too attached to anyone else！ The story alternates between being hopeful and heartbreaking， but is consistently engaging。 The drama is sometimes over-the-top， but I couldn't put it down and I loved the ending。 I would love to see additional books with Stafford Lee and those who prove themselves to be his allies。 Fans of John Grisham’s courtroom thrillers would enjoy this well-written book。 （4。5 stars）I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Little Brown and Company。 My review is voluntary and unbiased。 。。。more
Vickie
，
This is a legal thriller without equal and one of the best that I have ever read！ The story of Stafford Lee’s rise to fame and his abrupt fall into a jail cell had me absolutely fascinated from beginning to end。 The fast pace is head-spinning with the changes in the situation for Stafford Lee and the characters are relatable and dynamic。 This is a unique look at a justice system determined to mete out justice without playing favorites with a lawyer known for his skill in the courtroom。 I really This is a legal thriller without equal and one of the best that I have ever read！ The story of Stafford Lee’s rise to fame and his abrupt fall into a jail cell had me absolutely fascinated from beginning to end。 The fast pace is head-spinning with the changes in the situation for Stafford Lee and the characters are relatable and dynamic。 This is a unique look at a justice system determined to mete out justice without playing favorites with a lawyer known for his skill in the courtroom。 I really enjoyed the courtroom scenes and Stafford Lee’s quick wit as well as his charm when he chose to use it。 I liked the banter between the characters and the realism of what happened to Stafford Lee when his wife was killed。 His downward spiral was realistic and heart-breaking。 All of the secondary characters are well-rounded and play an integral part in the story。 My favorite character was Jenny， the PI who helps Stafford Lee on his cases and who is there for him personally when he falls to the basement of his career。 This is a cleverly written page turner， brilliantly written and with the signature style of short chapters and sub-plots that all tie well together。 The scenes with the victims were disturbingly realistic as was the emotions in the courtroom when evidence was presented。 I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and would love to read more of Stafford Lee’s adventures， knowing that his legal skills rival all of Grisham’s heroes。 This book is addictive， satisfying and filled with intense drama that kept me reading and wanting more when I came to the end。 DisclaimerDisclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group。 I was not required to write a positive review， and all opinions expressed are my own。 I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR， Part 255， “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising。” 。。。more
Melanie
，
This is a great legal drama from James Patterson and Nancy Allen。 Stafford Lee is a fantastic character。 He is a top notch lawyer in Biloxi who doesn't lose。This book is a legal drama full of suspense。 What does the #1 Lawyer do when his estranged wife is murdered？ Dive into this book and read how it unfolds。 I definitely recommend this book！ Thank you Little， Brown & Company for the book！ This is a great legal drama from James Patterson and Nancy Allen。 Stafford Lee is a fantastic character。 He is a top notch lawyer in Biloxi who doesn't lose。This book is a legal drama full of suspense。 What does the #1 Lawyer do when his estranged wife is murdered？ Dive into this book and read how it unfolds。 I definitely recommend this book！ Thank you Little， Brown & Company for the book！ 。。。more
Nikki
，
James Patterson is an auto read author for me。 I don’t even have to know what the book is about to read it。 This book is about Stafford Lee Penney， known as the #1 lawyer。 First of all I fell in love with Stafford Lee and his story and I would love for this to become a series。 I am definitely interested in more of his story and his adventures with the law。 He goes from #1 lawyer to #1 suspect in a murder and he decides his only way to win is to represent himself。 His determination to prove his i James Patterson is an auto read author for me。 I don’t even have to know what the book is about to read it。 This book is about Stafford Lee Penney， known as the #1 lawyer。 First of all I fell in love with Stafford Lee and his story and I would love for this to become a series。 I am definitely interested in more of his story and his adventures with the law。 He goes from #1 lawyer to #1 suspect in a murder and he decides his only way to win is to represent himself。 His determination to prove his innocence came with a battle！ I loved this book so much and I really loved Stafford Lee Penney！ Thank you so much to Little， Brown， and Co and James Patterson’s Street Team for the advance copy of this novel！ 。。。more
Olivia Morris
，
Well I like James Patterson before and I like him again for this novel。 I had good reason to sit and read （bakc spasms kept me sitting）， and I was not disappointed。 This is a fast paced and very interesting story。 The #1 Lawyer has his days in court and after a very disturbing personal attack， that #1 Lawyer becomes the #1 Loser。 How does that happen？ When you bring together a roster of characters， some good ， some not so good and some dispicable， anything and I mean anything is possible。 Patter Well I like James Patterson before and I like him again for this novel。 I had good reason to sit and read （bakc spasms kept me sitting）， and I was not disappointed。 This is a fast paced and very interesting story。 The #1 Lawyer has his days in court and after a very disturbing personal attack， that #1 Lawyer becomes the #1 Loser。 How does that happen？ When you bring together a roster of characters， some good ， some not so good and some dispicable， anything and I mean anything is possible。 Patterson has done a marvelous job in combining all these elements to bring us a page turner that won't leave you disappointed。 Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery， good sleuthing and lots of twists and turns。 I could not put it down。I recieved a copy of this book from NetGalley。com in return for my honest opinion！ 。。。more
Francesca
，
The highly anticipated legal thriller （to be released in March 2024） has surprised me by earning an unexpected 5-star rating。 Mark my words， I never， ever expected to give such praise for a James Patterson novel。 An exhilarating ride that kept me on the edge of my seat， the book's fast-paced storyline and captivating characters， from Stafford Lee， Jenny， Mason， the Caros， to Rue and Joey， are lauded for delivering unexpected twists and turns at every corner。At the heart of the narrative lies Sta The highly anticipated legal thriller （to be released in March 2024） has surprised me by earning an unexpected 5-star rating。 Mark my words， I never， ever expected to give such praise for a James Patterson novel。 An exhilarating ride that kept me on the edge of my seat， the book's fast-paced storyline and captivating characters， from Stafford Lee， Jenny， Mason， the Caros， to Rue and Joey， are lauded for delivering unexpected twists and turns at every corner。At the heart of the narrative lies Stafford Lee Penney， Biloxi's most renowned criminal defense attorney known for his unbeatable track record in the courtroom。 However， Penney's world is turned upside down when his wife is tragically murdered， and he finds himself suddenly thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspect: America's #1 lawyer becomes its #1 suspect。 As Penney's personal and professional life unravels， he embarks on a daring transformation， shedding his lawyer persona to adopt a new identity as a lifeguard。 Embracing a laid-back lifestyle， complete with flip-flops and beachside mentoring sessions， Penney's unconventional approach to his defense sets the stage for an electrifying courtroom battle。 As the stakes escalate， readers are drawn into a gripping tale of legal maneuvering and personal redemption。 With the odds stacked against him， Penney's determination to clear his name and uncover the truth will keep readers enthralled until the final page。Simply brilliant！ 。。。more
Susan
，
The twists and turns in THE #1 LAWYER are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out。 One minute you believe you know who did it and the next you are sitting there shaking your head， wondering what the heck just happened。 I had my suspicions， I had it all figured out， or so I thought， and BAM……。wrong again！ Once you start reading， trust me， you aren’t going to be able to stop！ When everything is finally revealed， well， you won’t believe it！ I hope James Patterson turns this The twists and turns in THE #1 LAWYER are going to keep you up late into the night trying to figure it out。 One minute you believe you know who did it and the next you are sitting there shaking your head， wondering what the heck just happened。 I had my suspicions， I had it all figured out， or so I thought， and BAM……。wrong again！ Once you start reading， trust me， you aren’t going to be able to stop！ When everything is finally revealed， well， you won’t believe it！ I hope James Patterson turns this into a series。 I would love to meet up with all the characters of Biloxi， MS once again！You can read my complete review at:https://freshfiction。com/review。php？i。。。 。。。more
Tiffany Murphy
，
"A defense attorney who shows his hand in the opening is a damn fool。"I have never read a James Patterson book that I didn't enjoy。 And， The #1 Lawyer absolutely lived up to this trend。 It was fast paced and full of twists and suspense。 Stafford Lee is used to being the absolute best lawyer in the area。 He has literally never lost。 Then， after a very successful， high profile case， his entire life seems to derail。 His wife is brutally murdered and he spirals out of control for awhile， finding him "A defense attorney who shows his hand in the opening is a damn fool。"I have never read a James Patterson book that I didn't enjoy。 And， The #1 Lawyer absolutely lived up to this trend。 It was fast paced and full of twists and suspense。 Stafford Lee is used to being the absolute best lawyer in the area。 He has literally never lost。 Then， after a very successful， high profile case， his entire life seems to derail。 His wife is brutally murdered and he spirals out of control for awhile， finding himself in risk of losing his career。 He finds enemies he never expected and allies he couldn't have predicted。 It is said that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client， and that is the exact position that Stafford Lee finds himself in。 Even those who are usually part of his support don't think this is a good idea but he feels like he has no choice。 He finds himself investigating a murder in the hopes of keeping himself out of jail。 I absolutely love the cast of new characters that James introduces in this story！ It has amazing characters。 I felt like Stafford Lee and Jenny made a great team。 I loved the interactions between Stafford and Aurora， as well。 Even the characters that you don't like just add so much intrigue and drama to the story and keep things moving along。 I really hope this ends up being a series because I'd love to get to know these characters better。 。。。more
Vanessa Upton
，
#1 Lawyer indeed！ From taking on tough cases to defending himself you never know which way this book is going to turn！ Patterson has done it again; creating a story line and characters that draw you in and keeps you turning pages until the very last word。
SusanTalksBooks
，
****3/15/24**** Read this on a train trip - thank you NetGalley for the ARC to read and review！James Patterson is very consistent enjoyable author for me， and I think co-author Nancy Allen added a great deal of legal authenticity to the book。 The book is pretty much as described - a talented southern attorney goes through a personal misfortune， career tanks， he rebuilds only to face a massive challenge to his career and personal future。 Ok， we all know Patterson books resolve plotlines - this wi ****3/15/24**** Read this on a train trip - thank you NetGalley for the ARC to read and review！James Patterson is very consistent enjoyable author for me， and I think co-author Nancy Allen added a great deal of legal authenticity to the book。 The book is pretty much as described - a talented southern attorney goes through a personal misfortune， career tanks， he rebuilds only to face a massive challenge to his career and personal future。 Ok， we all know Patterson books resolve plotlines - this will end up ok， but how will he and his co-writer take the reader to that finish line？ This book has good characters and a relatively satisfying plot twist/resolution。 But why does it need to be set in Biloxi， Mississippi？ It is toooo close to John Grisham's base of Memphis and haven't we read enough about southern law firms？ Can't it be based in Chicago or Montana or Indiana？ I did feel Stafford Lee's trajectory was a bit depressing and not quite believable- I thought he would have a better way to handle his personal and legal troubles， but I'll suspend those thoughts to read Patterson。 I did think the flip-flop angle was kind of weird and out of any realm of normal attorney character。 Be a lifeguard， fine （slightly odd choice IMO）！ But no flip flops in the courtroom。 I felt they were borrowing from Michael Connelly's （The Lincoln Lawyer） main character having the 'defining quirk' of driving in the Lincoln car。 But flip flops don't really make us think of legal powerhouses， and that's what we all really want to read about， isn't it？ My last gripe has to do with the book summary from the publisher。 Why does the reader need to be told Stafford Lee's wife is killed？？？ Are there not enough readers willing to read a book by this major author without being spoon fed major plot elements before they even open the book？ Please， I beg publishers to stop doing this and let us readers be surprised by something！Overall， this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing where Patterson goes with this new series。 AND I will seek out Nancy Allen's writing to try it out。 4-stars。****3/8/24**** Thank you， NetGalley， for giving me the opportunity to review James Patterson's new LEGAL thriller！ That's right， Patterson is getting into Grisham's territory， and I am thrilled as a fan of legal fiction and Patterson's writing！ Why he chose to set it in Mississippi is anyone's guess， but I'm 13% in and already hooked！ Pub date: March 18， 2024。 。。。more
Nikki
，
The #1 Lawyer features Stafford Lee Penney， new character in the James Patterson publishing juggernaut。 Penney is a lawyer in a small town whose reputation for winning is well-known throughout the state of Mississippi。 In fact， the defense attorney has never lost a trial。 After his latest win leaves him feeling a little off-kilter， things start going from bad to worse。 A murder-suicide knocks his world off of its axis and he falls into a downward spiral that he might not have recovered from， if The #1 Lawyer features Stafford Lee Penney， new character in the James Patterson publishing juggernaut。 Penney is a lawyer in a small town whose reputation for winning is well-known throughout the state of Mississippi。 In fact， the defense attorney has never lost a trial。 After his latest win leaves him feeling a little off-kilter， things start going from bad to worse。 A murder-suicide knocks his world off of its axis and he falls into a downward spiral that he might not have recovered from， if not for his closest friends。 While Stafford Lee starts to slowly put his life back together， the hits just keep on coming。I enjoyed the fast pace of the story， which is by now almost a standard in any James Patterson storyline。 I struggled a bit staying engaged in the middle of the novel， but once the action picked back up， I was very interested to learn what exactly was going on and who was really behind all of the damage being done in Biloxi。 Learning who was behind the last murder was a shocker， but it felt rushed， and was worthy of many more pages than it got。 The #1 Lawyer reminds readers of the racial disparities still occurring throughout much of the country， and how differently murder victim cases can be treated based on the race of the victim。 This is an important reminder that not all is equal， especially in certain states。 It would have added another degree of interest to do more with this storyline in the novel; it felt like a missed opportunity that it was not explored in more detail。Thank you to NetGalley and Little， Brown and Company for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review。Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫 （3。5/5） 。。。more
Shelley
，
I received this book as a winner in a giveaway here on Goodreads courtesy of the publisher and I’m absolutely tickled pink！ I loved this book！！ I give it 5/5 ⭐️ Fast paced， easy to read， thoroughly engaging story with plenty of twists and turns。 Couldn’t put it down for long before I was antsy to get back to the story。 Exactly what I look for in a good book。 I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced legal thriller by a great author。 I have yet to be disappointed by I received this book as a winner in a giveaway here on Goodreads courtesy of the publisher and I’m absolutely tickled pink！ I loved this book！！ I give it 5/5 ⭐️ Fast paced， easy to read， thoroughly engaging story with plenty of twists and turns。 Couldn’t put it down for long before I was antsy to get back to the story。 Exactly what I look for in a good book。 I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fast paced legal thriller by a great author。 I have yet to be disappointed by a James Patterson book and I don’t think you will be disappointed if you choose to read it （do it！！） It comes out on March 18， 2024 。。。more
Belva
，