This was one fantastic read! That says a lot coming from someone who normally shies away from these kinds of Mike Hammer-style detective whodunnits. As a self-proclaimed dialogue freak, this reader found H. Terrell Griffin's dialogue sharp as an axe - witty, intelligent, and always entertaining. The knowledge of the inner workings of law enforcement and trial law, right down ... Read moreto picking the jury, is downright genius. The tying up of every possible loose end was admirable and brilliantly done. What could have come off reading like a huge info dump at the end came off smooth as silk. This was well written, delightfully descriptive, and filled with twists and turns from beginning to end. Mr. Griffin has gained another fan!
InD'tale Magazine Chasing Justice is another winner in this delightful murder mystery series. I love the playful banter between Matt and J.D. Both are strong main characters with a number of quirky supporting characters. Numerous feds from all letter name agencies are swarming on this case. You almost need a program to keep up. Terrell Griffin keeps the reader engaged with the many twists and turns that the cases take as Matt and J.D. try to find the real murderers. Mr. Griffin gives us a lesson in courtroom decorum and procedure as he details Abby's trial. He has certainly done his research on this island community and paints us a beautiful picture of a beach bum life. Chasing Justice is a great adventure for summer reading. Matt Royal goes back to the courtroom to defend Abby Lester, his friend and wife of Longboat Key's police chief, who is accused of murder. He must overcome his extended absence from the practicing law when pitted against a hotshot prosecuting attorney, opening a Pandora's Box of issues, characters, and activities with more twists than a corkscrew.
Fresh Fiction Nothing is what it seems especially where politicians, police, academics, real estate moguls, drug dealers, undercover agents, homeland security, killers, a hint of titillating sex and a trail of murdered bodies are all bound together in a smorgasbord of issues that eventually are untangled and where the truth ultimately prevails. This is a yarn that manages to have its amusing moments even as it perplexes and intrigues with plots and subplots, which at times can be confusing. Nonetheless, to make matters more interesting, Griffin throws into the plot good old fashioned treachery and deception to keep readers turning the pages.
BookPleasures.com "At the start of Griffin's excellent eighth Matt Royal mystery (after 2013's Found), Royal, a 'lawyer and mostly retired,' is enjoying life on Longboat Key, Fla., with those whom he considers 'the best people on earth.' One is his lover, J.D. Duncan, the island's lone police detective, who's investigating the murder of a beautiful nude woman found in a ritzy beach house. Another is Abby Lester, the local police chief's wife, who's arrested for killing a shady developer. Though Matt has nothing to gain and maybe much to lose, he agrees to defend Abby. Meanwhile, J.D. uncovers sleazy connections that link her case to Abby's. Griffin, a former trial attorney, often contrasts how things used to be with how they regrettably are now, showcasing today's 'devastated hell' of Florida's 'forgotten ones' and damning a system where too many lawyers are unscrupulous, too many policemen are corrupt, and politicians dare to threaten honest judges. Even so, Royal ensures that justice triumphs in this highly satisfying courtroom drama." Publishers Weekly - Starred Review "Bestselling author H. Terrell Griffin's novels lean heavily to the action side, but Chasing Justice is a rocket-ride legal thriller with shrewd investigative acumen. The courtroom drama rivals Matlock and Perry Mason, with the cunning of Atticus Finch tossing Tom Robinson a glass. Matt portrays himself as a beach bum attorney, but his investigation techniques and demeanor resemble those of Columbo. Matt has become jaded by the legal system, thinking 'Lawyers spent more time chasing the dollar than they did justice.' Ultimately justice prevails, 'and a lawyer can ask for no better result than that.' Chasing Justice is a rocket-ride legal thriller with shrewd investigative acumen." Bookreporter.com "Royal ensures that justice triumphs in this highly satisfying courtroom drama." Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) " Chasing Justice is a rocket-ride legal thriller with shrewd investigative acumen." Bookreporter Praise for the Matt Royal Mystery Series " Bitter Legacy is another solid cruise in the sun with H. Terrell Griffin. This story takes you in and holds you to the very last page. I enjoyed the ride!" Michael Connelly, New York Times best-selling author "Witty, smart and highly entertaining. An intriguing mix of hopes and fears that combine into a pulse-pounding treat." Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author "Welcome to the world of Matt Royal, the fun-loving beach bum lawyer who is as tough and smart as any character in modern American fiction."
Randy Wayne White, New York Times best-selling author "Full of Florida flavor and spiced with tension and humor."
James O. Born, New York Times best-selling author "This is an entertaining mystery . . . reminiscent of John D. MacDonald's Travis McGee novels, with a dash of Lee Child's Jack Reacher thrown in for good measure." Booklist "Highly recommended for thriller fans who enjoy the works of David Baldacci." Library Journal (Starred Review)â Show Less