Review: The Cage by Bonnie Kistler

Author: Bonnie Kistler
Publisher: Harper
Publication Date: February 2022

On a cold, misty Sunday night, two women are alone in the offices of fashion conglomerate Claudine de Martineau International. One is the company's human resources director. Impeccably dressed and perfectly coiffed, she sits at her desk and stares somberly out the window. Down the hall, her colleague, one of the company's lawyers, is buried under a pile of paperwork, frantically rushing to finish.

Leaving at the same time, the two women, each preoccupied by her own thoughts, enter the elevator that will take them down from the 30th floor.

When they arrive at the lobby, one of the women is dead. Was it murder or suicide?

In the beginning of The Cage, two women go into an elevator and only one comes out alive. The rest of the book follows Shay as she tries to prove that she did didn't kill Lucy.  It also follows one other perspective as well.  This isn't exactly a thriller.  It's more of a legal mystery.  I have kind of mixed feelings about the book.  I liked it, I just didn't love it.

I almost DNF'd it. I wasn't a fan of Shay in the beginning. She recounts the events of the five years before the elevator event.  All of her choices were really surprising given her education.  I had a hard time buying that a lawyer would react the way she did after she was laid off.  She didn't want to apply for lower level law firms but has no problem taking a job in a bar when desperate.  I also had a hard time buying that  lawyer would speak to the police without her own representation.  Especially one who had volunteered for the Innocence Project.  

At about the halfway mark, the book got better and I started liking Shay a lot more.    Shay ended up being a lot smarter and conniving than I was expecting.  There were some twists that I enjoyed. The ending was perfect.  I do recommend this one,  If you go into it expecting more of a legal mystery, then you will enjoy it a lot more.

Blog Tour: Review & Excerpt of Flight Risk by Cara Putman

Genre: Political/Romantic Suspense
Published by: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: April 7th 2020
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 078523327X (ISBN13: 9780785233275)
Series: This is a Stand Alone Novel
Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Bestselling author Cara Putman returns with a romantic legal thriller that will challenge the assumptions of truth tellers everywhere.

Savannah Daniels has worked hard to build her law practice, to surround herself with good friends, and to be the loyal aunt her troubled niece can always count on. But since her ex-husband’s betrayal, she has trouble trusting anyone.


Jett Glover’s father committed suicide over a false newspaper report that ruined his reputation. Now a fierce champion of truth, Jett is writing the story of his journalism career—an international sex-trafficking exposé that will bring down a celebrity baseball player and the men closest to him, including Savannah’s ex-husband.

When Jett’s story breaks, tragedy ensues. Then a commercial airline crashes, and one of Savannah’s clients is implicated in the crash. Men connected to the scandal, including her ex, begin to die amid mysterious circumstances, and Savannah’s niece becomes an unwitting target.

Against their better instincts, Jett and Savannah join ranks to sort the facts from fiction. But can Savannah trust the reporter who threw her life into chaos? And can Jett face the possibility that he’s made the biggest mistake of his life?


My thoughts:  

Flight Risk was a very enjoyable mystery.  I was pulled right in and engaged from beginning to end. The plot was well laid out and kept me guessing.  There were a couple of things going on that I was unsure how they connected, but don't worry, it all makes sense in the end. I definitely didn't call either of the twists.   The characters were interesting and fairly well fleshed out.  Savannah and Jett would make a good investigative team in future books.  I loved their chemistry and that they were both kind of unsure about themselves in regard to each other.  There is a little romance here, but it didn't overwhelm the story.  If you enjoy legal thrillers, I highly recommend this one.

Read an excerpt:

The conversation flowed over the antipasti course and into the pasta della casa. Every bite of Savannah’s manicotti alla fiorentina was wonderful, the ricotta and spinach blending perfectly. Just when she knew she couldn’t take another bite and get anything done afterward, thanks to the food coma, a waiter came out with a slice of cheesecake. Her mouth watered as she took in the raspberries atop the homemade delight. She put a hand on her stomach and then smiled. “I hope you brought fresh forks for everyone.”
The handsome waiter flashed a bright smile. “Whatever the birthday donna wishes is my command.” He gave a slight bow and turned away. A moment later when he returned, a fist of forks at the ready, his demeanor had changed.
Emilie watched him a moment. “What’s wrong, Antonio?”
“There has been a horrible accident. It is on the TV in the office.”
“What kind of accident?” Savannah leaned toward him. “Does it involve someone you know?”
“No.” The man shook his head, and not one of his dark hairs moved. Yet his eyes were weighted with sadness and the shadow of something more. “It is a plane. It looks bad.”
“Oh no.” The memory of a plane careening by as she looked out a courtroom window in downtown Washington, DC, years earlier flashed through her mind. Savannah fought a shudder as she withdrew a credit card from her phone case and placed it on the bill, only for Hayden to slide it back to her and replace it with her own.
“Thank you.”
Please let this be a terrible accident and not the beginning of another 9/11.
Jaime’s head was bowed over her phone as she clicked the screen. “Looks like an isolated crash.”
All Savannah could think was that Jaime should add so far to her sentence. “That’s what we all thought on 9/11 too.”
Then a second plane careened into the Twin Towers. She saw the plane that hit the Pentagon, and a fourth plane crashed in Pennsylvania, killing one of her fellow law students. She cleared her throat and stood, motioning the gals to join her.
“Let’s get back to work and see what we can learn.”
As they left her favorite restaurant, her phone buzzed and she paused to pull it out of her pocket. She glanced at the text message on the screen and her blood froze.
911. From Addy. Their emergency code.
***
Excerpt from Flight Risk by Cara Putman. Copyright 2020 by Cara Putman. Reproduced with permission from Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Cara Putman is the author of more than twenty-five legal thrillers, historical romances, and romantic suspense novels. She has won or been a finalist for honors including the ACFW Book of the Year and the Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. Cara graduated high school at sixteen, college at twenty, completed her law degree at twenty-seven, and recently received her MBA. She is a practicing attorney, teaches undergraduate and graduate law courses at a Big Ten business school, and is a homeschooling mom of four. She lives with her husband and children in Indiana.

Visit her at:
CaraPutman.com, Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram, Twitter - @Cara_Putman, & Facebook - Cara.Putman!

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways!

Enter To Win!!!!:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Cara Putman and Thomas Nelson. There will be 2 winners. Each winner will receive a set of three (3) print copies by Cara Putman. The giveaway begins on April 1, 2020 and runs through May 2, 2020. Open to U.S. addresses only. Void where prohibited.

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Joint Review: The Defense by Steve Cavanagh

Author:Steve Cavanagh
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Publication Date: May 2016

The truth has no place in a courtroom. The truth doesn't matter in a trial.

The only thing that matters is what the prosecution can prove.

Eddie Flynn used to be a con artist. Then he became a lawyer. Turned out the two weren't that different.

It's been over a year since Eddie vowed never to set foot in a courtroom again. But now he doesn't have a choice. Olek Volchek, the infamous head of the Russian mafia in New York, has strapped a bomb to Eddie's back and kidnapped his ten-year-old daughter Amy.

Eddie only has 48 hours to defend Volchek in an impossible murder trial—and win—if wants to save his daughter.

Under the scrutiny of the media and the FBI, Eddie must use his razor-sharp wit and every con-artist trick in the book to defend his 'client' and ensure Amy's safety. With the timer on his back ticking away, can Eddie convince the jury of the impossible?

I'll admit to being a little bored in the beginning of this book.  However, I'm so glad I stuck with it.  I ended up really liking the story.  For a courtroom drama, it was pretty fast paced with a great mystery.  I loved the main character.  Eddie Flynn is a conman turned defense lawyer who is forced out of retirement to defend a case no one can possibly win.  I loved how his mind worked.  He is definitely someone I want to read about again. 



I've been really trying to get back into reading since school just completely zapped all the desire to do so out of me.  This is one of the first audiobooks I was able to get into and finish.  

Eddie Flynn was a fun character.  I liked all the backstory of his upbringing and how he ended up as a defense attorney.   This was one of those movies that I could totally see being a movie.

This is the first book in a series.   I will definitely be looking into the second book.   The Plea is the next book, the third is The Liar.  

Blog Tour: The Ex by Alafair Burke

Author: Alafair Burke

Publisher: Harper 

Date of publication: January 26, 2016

Twenty years ago she ruined his life.

Now she has the chance to save it.

In this breakout novel of suspense in the vein of Luckiest Girl Alive and The Girl on the Train, a woman agrees to help an old boyfriend who has been framed for murder—but begins to suspect that she is the one being manipulated.

Widower Jack Harris has resisted the dating scene ever since the shooting of his wife, Molly, by a fifteen-year-old boy three years ago. An early morning run along the Hudson River changes that, when he spots a woman in last night’s party dress, barefoot, enjoying a champagne picnic alone, reading his favorite novel. Everything about her reminds him of what he used to have with Molly. Eager to help Jack find love again, his best friend posts a message on a popular website after he mentions the encounter. Days later, that same beautiful stranger responds and invites Jack to meet her in person at the waterfront. That’s when Jack’s world falls apart.

Olivia Randall is one of New York City’s best criminal defense lawyers. When she hears that her former fiancé, Jack Harris, has been arrested for a triple homicide—and that one of the victims was connected to his wife’s murder—there is no doubt in her mind as to his innocence. The only question is, who would go to such great lengths to frame him—and why?

For Olivia, representing Jack is a way to make up for past regrets and absolve herself of guilt from a tragic decision, a secret she has held for twenty years. But as the evidence against him mounts, she is forced to confront her doubts. The man she knew could not have done this. But what if she never really knew him?

I am always a bit wary when books are marketed to be for "fans of ..."  Especially when it is a book that I didn't care for.  I am a fan of this author,b ut I was concerned I might not like The Ex because I hated The Girl on the Train.  If you haven't read either, I would say read this one, not that one.  The Ex was really good!  It's a very engaging, twisty mystery with likable characters.  This book would make a great movie!

In The Ex, Olivia is called by her ex-fiancee's daughter to see if she can get him free from jail.  He is accused of shooting and killing three people in the park.  One of whom happens to be the father of the kid who shot and killed his wife 3 years before.  Olivia is convinced that Jack is innocent and will do everything to get him free.  But with the evidence staked against him, she has a very steep uphill battle to climb.

One thing that I really liked about this book was that it kept me guessing.  Until the end, I wasn't sure if Jack did it or not.  I'm not going to spoil it for you, so you'll just have to follow the clues along with Olivia.  I really liked Olivia's character,  She is smart with tons of flaws, but is totally up front and honest about those flaws.  I like strong female characters like that.

I highly recommend this book.  With all of the secrets, twists and surprises, you won't be able to put it down!

About Alafair Burke

Alafair Burke is the New York Times bestselling author of ten previous novels, including the standalone thrillersLong Gone and If You Were Here, and the Ellie Hatcher series: All Day and a Night, Never Tell, 212, Angel’s Tip, and Dead Connection. She is also the coauthor of the Under Suspicion series with Mary Higgins Clark. A former prosecutor, she is now a professor of criminal law and lives in Manhattan.

Find out more about Alafair at her website, connect with her on Facebook, and follow her on Twitter.

Alafair’s Tour Stops

Tuesday, January 26th: Sara’s Organized Chaos

Wednesday, January 27th: A Bookish Way of Life

Thursday, January 28th: Curling Up by the Fire

Friday, January 29th: You Can Read Me Anything

Monday, February 1st: My Book Retreat

Tuesday, February 2nd: Luxury Reading

Thursday, February 4th: A Bookworm’s World

Friday, February 5th: Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, February 9th: Kritters Ramblings

Wednesday, February 10th: Dreams, Etc.

Thursday, February 11th: Jenn’s Bookshelves

Friday, February 12th: From the TBR Pile

Tuesday, February 16th: Lessa’s Book Critiques

Wednesday, February 17th: Book Hooked Blog

Thursday, February 18th: JulzReads

Friday, February 19th: FictionZeal

Blog Tour: Bum Rap by Paul Levine

Author: Paul Levine
Publisher:Thomas & Mercer 
Date of publication: July 2015

NFL linebacker-turned-lawyer Jake Lassiter has had it with shifty clients, dirty prosecutors, and a legal system out of whack. It’s enough to make a man want to leave Miami and never look back—until he gets a call from Victoria Lord, the better half of hot local legal team Solomon & Lord. Her partner in life and law has been arrested for murder. What’s worse: the only person who can clear him has fled the city. Now it’s up to Jake and Victoria to track down the witness—a stunning “Bar girl”—before she’s roped in by the feds…or eliminated by the Russian mob.

Jake knows that if he doesn’t get to the witness first, his client’s case is lost. Luckily, he’s got some good advice from his college football coach: “Buckle your chin strap and hit somebody.” And sometimes, the only way to win a tough case is to do just that.

Bum Rap is only the second book in this series that I have read.  Even though it is the 11th book, I think it did well as a stand alone book.  The author does a good job of providing back story so you get a good feel for the characters.  At times I felt like there were too many back stories that bogged the book down.

Bum Rap is a pretty straight forward story,  I didn't really see a lot of mystery in it, so that was a little disappointing.  I remember the last book that I read being a little more exciting and I kind of felt like this one just plodded along.  I do like Lassiter's character.  he's a great lawyer with a good sense of humor.  However, I felt like the book was filled with too many one liners and to much banter between the characters that it got a little tiring.  Almost like it was trying too hard to be funny and I found myself skimming in places.The ending was a bit weird and awkward for me as well.  

I think fans of the series will like this addition.  It would make for a good relaxing book to read on the beach or on vacation this summer.

About Paul Levine

PAUL LEVINE worked as a newspaper reporter, a law professor and a trial lawyer before becoming a full-time novelist. His books have been translated into 23 languages; Levine has won the John D. MacDonald fiction award and has been nominated for an Edgar Allan Poe Award, the Macavity, the International Thriller Writers Award, the Shamus Award, and the James Thurber Humor Prize.

Connect with Paul

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Paul Levine’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, June 29th: Books a la Mode

Thursday, July 2nd: Bibliotica

Friday, July 3rd: FictionZeal

Monday, July 6th: The World As I See It

Wednesday, July 8th: Griperang’s Bookmarks

Thursday, July 9th: Life is Story

Friday, July 10th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, July 13th: Book Dilettante

Monday, July 13th: Mockingbird Hill Cottage

Thursday, July 16th: Rhodes Review

Friday, July 17th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Monday, July 20th: Lilac Reviews

Tuesday, July 21st: Back Porchervations

Thursday, July 23rd: Vic’s Media Room

Joint Review: Cartwheel by Jennifer Dubois

Author: Jennifer Dubois
Publisher: Random House
Date of publication: Septmebr 2013

When Lily Hayes arrives in Buenos Aires for her semester abroad, she is enchanted by everything she encounters: the colorful buildings, the street food, the handsome, elusive man next door. Her studious roommate Katy is a bit of a bore, but Lily didn’t come to Argentina to hang out with other Americans.

Five weeks later, Katy is found brutally murdered in their shared home, and Lily is the prime suspect. But who is Lily Hayes? It depends on who’s asking. As the case takes shape—revealing deceptions, secrets, and suspicious DNA—Lily appears alternately sinister and guileless through the eyes of those around her: the media, her family, the man who loves her and the man who seeks her conviction. With mordant wit and keen emotional insight, Cartwheel offers a prismatic investigation of the ways we decide what to see—and to believe—in one another and ourselves.

I really wanted to like this book much more than I did.  It started off really well.  I was pulled into the story and wanted to know what really happened to Katy.  But, as the book progressed, I started to get bored.  I think the book was too long and not much happens during a lot of it.  

The only character I really liked was Lily.  I felt really bad for her.  She is definitely a product of her upbringing.  Not enough discipline and being too sheltered from the real world make her come across as rude, naive and thoughtless.  She really isn't like that, but she doesn't know how to portray herself any other way.  Unfortunately this works against her.

I understand what the author was trying to do with the book.  It wasn't a rehashing of the Amanda Knox story, it was inspired by it.  Her afterward explains it all.  But for me, I don't think the book did what she was hoping it would.  I felt like I was reading another version of the Amanda Knox story and trial. I think what would have made me like the book more would have been to find out what really happened to Katy.  We never do find out.  This being fiction, I wanted some resolution and the truth.  This is another book in which I felt let down because I invested to much time in it and got no payout in the end.

I'm like Kari, I felt let down by the ending of this book.  The ending was the only reason I stuck with this book and it was such a letdown.  I found the Amanda Knox story somewhat interesting and wanted to get the author's interpretation of what happened and I don't think the reader ever actually gets that.  I kept waiting for the real story, and it never came.  I could have just read the Amanda Knox news clippings instead of this book and it would have taken less time.   This book just wasn't my favorite.  I think the author would have done better to either have done a true crime book of the Amanda Knox story or have gone further away from the Knox story, maybe focus on the Lily's cartwheel  and personality but in the context of another criminal investigation...maybe that makes since.

Review: Extraordinary Rendition by Paul Batista

by:  Paul Batista
published by:  Astor + Blue Editions
publish date:  October 1, 2012

When Ali Hussein, suspected terrorist and alleged banker for Al Qaeda, is finally transported from Guantanamo Bay to the US mainland to stand trial, many are stunned when Byron Carlos Johnson, a pre-eminent lawyer and son of a high-profile diplomat, volunteers to represent him. On principle, Johnson thought he was merely defending a man unjustly captured through rendition and water-boarded illegally. But Johnson soon learns that there is much more at stake than one man’s civil rights.

Ali Hussein immigrated from Syria to the United States looking for a better life.  He became an accountant and started a family.  Then on a trip to Germany he was captured by the US Government, suspected of being a money handler for Al Qaeda.  He was held for over 9 years without charges being filed.  In that time he was tortured and questioned endlessly.

When he was brought to trial, Byron Johnson volunteers to represent him.  This is just the beginning of troubles that Byron never imagined.  The Prosecution for the United States begins to infiltrate Bryon's life at every level possible. 

There were a couple of issues that I had with this book.  One had to do with Ali Hussein.  I never really understood if he was a terrorist or not.   I guess it doesn't really matter, your lawyer's job isn't to question your guilt or innocence.  Also there was a question whether or not Ali was using Byron to pass account information along to his Imam via Koran passages.   I was confused as to whether or not this was true or it was just an accusation.  I was also not particularly pleased with Bryon and his woman hopping.  He went from falling all over Christina to sleeping with Helen like it was nothing. 

Overall it was a pretty good book.  It was better than I was expecting.  The topic of rendition is a pretty terrifying one, so it's interesting to explore it from a safe distance.

About the Author:  Paul Batista, novelist and television personality, is one of the most widely known trial lawyers in the country. As a trial attorney, he specializes in federal criminal litigation. As a media figure, he is known for his regular appearances as guest legal commentator on a variety of television shows on Court TV, CNN, HLN, and WNBC. He also appeared in the HBO movie, You Don't Know Jack, starring Al Pacino. A prolific writer, he authored the leading treatise on the primary federal antiracketeering statute, Civil RICO Practice Manual, which is now in its third edition (Wiley & Sons, 1987; Wolters Kluwer, 2008). He has written articles for the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the National Law Journal. His debut novel, Death's Witness, was awarded a Silver Medal by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Batista is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Cornell Law School. He's proud to have served in the United States Army.

Blog Tour: Terminal Ambition by Kate McGuinness

Author: Kate McGuinness
Publisher: Two XX Press
Date of publication: March 2012

Maggie Mahoney wants justice for women at her law firm.
The firm chairman wants to be Attorney General.
Only one can win. 

If ambition rules, can justice prevail?

When I started Terminal Ambition, I wasn't sure if I was going to like it.  Don't get me wrong, I am all for women's rights, especially in the work place. However, I was afraid it would be too preachy.  I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book.  I found that once I started it, I was eager to see where the story would lead.  

At first, Maggie is pretty ambivalent about the way women seem to be treated in her law firm.  Even to the point that she just deflects advances from colleagues without taking action.  When she is asked to be part of a committee to look into harassment issues at her firm, her ideals begin to quickly change.  I liked Maggie's character.  Once she had her eyes opened, she realizes that she cannot just sit back and do nothing.

Terminal Ambition is a very compelling and well written book.  I wouldn't say it was a thriller as there really weren't any surprises.  For me it was more a peek into the "Old Boys Network" that is still (disgustingly, IMHO) prominent in many professions today.

One of the things that I liked about the book is that it isn't all written from Maggie's perspective.  The book alternates between different characters so that the reader gets to see several sides.  There is also a slight hint at a possible romance with a colleague/friend.  Hopefully,  we will see more of Sam in coming books. I look forward to see more from this author in the future!

About the author:

Legal Career

Kate McGuinness practiced law in courtrooms, conference rooms and boardrooms. Despite sexual harassment and discrimination, she fought her way to successs.

Following graduation from law school, she joined a major international law firm. After seven years in the trenches, she was invited to join the partnership, becoming one of only a handful of female partners among the firm's equity owners who numbered more than a hundred.

After 17 years at the firm, a Fortune 500 company recruited Kate to serve as its General Counsel. The position came with an office on the executive floor where she was the only female officer. Mercifully, the other women there filled her in on who was doing what to whom!

Passion for Women's Rights
Kate encountered street harassment as a young woman living overseas. It frightened her and made her angry. The silver lining of the crude gestures and catcalls was that they made much of the harassment she faced as a lawyer seem toothless. 

Gender discrimination became personal for Kate when she needed a job after she relocated to California. An employment agency advertised for a stockbroker trainee. In violation of Title VII, she was told they "didn't hire women for that." But there was a job she "might" qualify - a receptionist for plastic surgeons. Needing an income, Kate accepted. The job was the first of a series of lessons in being objectified.
After being asked which of the doctors had "done her breasts," Kate began to research career options. She grew up in a blue-collar family and had never met a lawyer, but her choice of aw school proved to be a good one.

Kate's Life Today
In addition to Terminal Ambition, Kate writes on women's issues for a number of online sites. Her essays have appeared in Forbes Woman, Jezebel, Women's Media Center, Fem2pt0, Role/Reboot, Ms. JD, The Girls Guide to Law School and LSAT Unplugged .

You can follow her on Twitter @womnsrightswrtr.

Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY: Gods and Fathers by James LePore

by:  James LePore
published by:  The Story Plant
publish date:  February 7, 2012

Matt DeMarco is an accomplished Manhattan attorney with more than his share of emotional baggage. His marriage ended disastrously, his ex-wife has pulled their son away from him, and her remarriage to a hugely successful Arab businessman has created complications for Matt on multiple levels. However, his life shifts from troubled to imperiled when two cops – men he's known for a long time – come into his home and arrest his son as the prime suspect in the murder of the boy's girlfriend.

Suddenly, the enmity between Matt and his only child is no longer relevant. Matt must do everything he can to clear his son, who he fully believes is innocent. Doing so will require him to quit his job and make enemies of former friends – and it will throw him up against forces he barely knew existed and can only begin to comprehend how to battle.

GODS AND FATHERS is at once a powerful mystery and a provocative international thriller, all of it presented with LePore's signature fascinating characters placed in dire circumstances where every choice poses new and potentially fatal challenges.

GODS AND FATHERS is a fantastic international thriller.  It's also a great legal drama with a deftly written mystery intertwined.  How can that not be everything you're looking for in your next read?

This was the first James LePore book I've read and I was very impressed.  Fans of John Grisham or Vince Flynn should check this out because I think readers of both would like his writing style.

AUTHOR BIO: James LePore is an attorney who has practiced law for more than two decades, and an accomplished photographer. He is the author of three previous novels, A WORLD I NEVER MADE, BLOOD OF MY BROTHER, and SONS AND PRINCES, as well as the story collection, ANYONE CAN DIE. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife, artist Karen Chandler.  He can be found at www.jamesleporefiction.com







Today we are giving away a SIGNED copy of A WORLD I NEVER MADE.  This is coming direct from the publisher so this is US addresses only.  Leave a comment on this post with a valid email address and I will pick a winner on Feb. 14, 2012.

Blog Tour - Review and Author Interview- When No One is Watching

Today, we have an interview with author, Joseph Hayes, promoting his book, When No One is Watching.  Welcome Joseph!

Author:Joseph Hayes
Publisher: Synergy Books

On the eve of announcing his run for Congress, a charismatic Chicago politician causes a deadly accident. Panicked, he frames his best friend, a good-hearted alcoholic, and flees the scene. As one man tries to pick up the pieces of his shattered life, the other embarks on a meteoric rise to political stardom. But when a dogged detective digs deeper into the case, the political superstar must decide just how far he is willing to go to keep his dark secret and avoid an explosive scandal that could ruin him and rock the entire nation. In this suspenseful thriller, author Joseph Hayes asks, is "the greater good" just a lie we tell ourselves to justify the sins we commit when no one is watching?

 My Thoughts:  When No One is Watching is a well written and intriguing book.  It explores the issues surrounding morality and friendship.  I did enjoy the book, however, I had a hard time liking Blair.  I was angry at him for what he gets away with for so long.  While the incident did help "save" Danny's life, I'm not sure he would have been grateful once he learned the truth.  The ending left me wanting more because I felt it was a bit unfair and I felt let down.  It wasn't the HEA that I was hoping for.  Despite that, I do recommend this one. I think that is will affect everyone a bit differently.  It is a novel that really makes you think. 
  
Mr. Hayes was kind enough to answer some questions for us.  Enjoy!

Kari: What inspired you to become a writer?

Joseph: I've wanted to become a writer almost as long as I can remember. I was a voracious reader when I was young and really took great pleasure in a well written and engaging story, so I think it was a fairly easy leap to make from reader to writer. I remember being in college and thinking that it would be great fun to write fiction for a living. However, there were two problems with that plan: (1) I didn't know whether I could make a living at it, and (2) at 19 years old, I didn't have any compelling stories to tell. As a result, the idea of becoming a writer was put on the back burner, although it remained on my bucket list. By the time I got into my mid-forties, I had a wealth of experience to draw from based on my personal and professional experiences. In addition, I felt that clock ticking, so a few years ago I just decided that there was no time like to present to turn this dream into a reality. Therefore, I sat down and wrote every day until I completed my first novel. Almost immediately after finishing that one, I began my second novel.

Kari: Where did you come up with the idea for your book?

Joseph:  The story was inspired by my father's life. He was an alcoholic who drank for the first 30 years of his adult life and then spent his remaining 30 years devoting his life to helping fellow alcoholics find lasting sobriety through the AA program. He was a real world hero who touched many lives and really made a difference, in a very quiet humble way. I dedicated this book to the multitude of quiet heroes just like him who who selflessly devote their lives to this cause. Because most of them do it in a very unassuming manner, I tried to make the story more interesting and suspenseful by weaving it into a political thriller. In addition, since my professional responsibilities include the role of chief ethics officer for a large company, the subject of ethics is near and dear to my heart. Therefore, I also wanted to create something of a morality tale dealing with ethics, personal responsibility and making a difference.

Kari: What exciting projects are waiting in the wings?

Joseph: I hope to publish my next novel in the very near future, perhaps by year-end. It is a legal thriller entitled Consequential Damages. Among other things, it explores some of the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of our legal system, including trial by jury, and the far-reaching consequences that can result from an erroneous verdict.

Kari: Who is your favorite literary character and why?

Joseph: That's easy: Atticus Finch, because he personifies both integrity and courage. I really like the quiet, humble type of hero. That is one of the reasons I have great fondness for Danny Moran, the protagonist in When No One is Watching. He is very much cut from the same cloth.

Kari: Just for fun, if you could be any animal, what would it be and why? 

Joseph: Hmmm ... that's a tougher question. I guess I would say a dolphin. I love the ocean. I really enjoy snorkeling because it provides a window to the magnificent world undersea. I also love surfing, a sport that I took up at the age of 30 after moving to San Diego. Seems to me that being a dolphin would provide the opportunity to constantly enjoy both of those pastimes. I'm not big on seafood, though, so that could be a problem!

About the Author:

Joe Hayes is a native of Chicago. He grew up in a family of eight children in the Beverly neighborhood on Chicago’s Far South Side, where the Irish-Catholic heritage and influence was strong and visible. Joe attended St. Barnabas Elementary School, Brother Rice High School and De Paul University before leaving Chicago to attend law school in California, at UC Berkeley. Since graduating from Berkeley, he has practiced law in Chicago, San Diego and Houston. Joe currently serves as chief ethics officer and assistant general counsel for a large, publicly held company based in Houston, Texas, and is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts in his field.  In his professional capacity, he has written extensively about legal and ethical issues and frequently speaks about such issues before employee and industry groups. When No One is Watching is his first work of fiction. His second novel, a legal thriller entitled Consequential Damages, is expected to be published next year.

Joe currently resides in The Woodlands, Texas, with his wife, Susan, and their three children, Amy, Sean and Erin.