Death Votes Last

I love when a series goes back to the basics of what made it great. Like Law & Order, this series gives us the best of both worlds as you follow the story from investigation to conclusion. The court drama was compelling, and the danger from up high felt palpable.

I was engrossed by this story from beginning to end. As I have mentioned before, when an author doesn’t hesitate to kill off main characters, a story like this takes you on the edge of your seat and keeps you in a state of excitment and anxiety.

While prior stories focused on dangerous drug lords and gang crimes, this one shines a spotlight on the more dangerous “criminals” in our legistative system. These men are more dangerous because they legally hold all the power and proving guilt is nearly impossible.

As the balance of power in Washington D.C. changes hands, even Jeff Trask is effected when a new the new administration names a new head of the Justice Department. So far Jeff is keeping his position as Senior Litigation Counsel, but when a death occurs that might be political in nature, Jeff isn’t sure whether his new boss will have his back.

A Senator is dead in what might simply be a run of the mill car accident, until the investigation starts to uncover that Senator Sherwin “Digger” Graves was drugged before his fatal drive home. Was this a personal vendetta or a conspiracy to tilt the balance of power? The Senate is currently split 50/50 and the Senator’s death leaves an opening which could change everything if a Democratic replacement is sent from his home state.

Possible loose-ends are turning up dead and one man steps forward to point the finger at the current Senate Minority Leader, a man who has held a position of power in D.C. for decades. Can Jeff and his team go after one of the most powerful men in Washington with accusations of murder and conspiracy and make it stick? And will Jeff have the support of the new administration when politics and whose side of the line you stand on are very much a part of the problem?

This case is a hot potato and delves into life in Washington D.C. It points out the difficulties for the Department of Justice created every time the government changes hands. How the fat cats in the legislature get richer on selling themselves to the lobbiests. It also points out how difficult it is to hold these powerful men accountable for their actions when they make themselves to be above the law.

Tensions are high in this story as the quickest way out of this prosecution is to remove the witnesses against the Senator, even if they have to get that information out of Jeff and his team by force.

I couldn’t put it down. The story kept me intrigued, anxious and very much pissed off in what can only be seen as failings in our legislative system.

This was the first time in reading this author with the story line catching my eye. It also fit in with the world around us too. But unlike today there is a death in the capital and time is of the essence to solve it I would say. Sadly though it was already into this series but still liked getting to know Jeff Trask and his team. This makes for a exciting read and one that was hard to put down.

I really enjoyed this book. It was fast paced, which I especially liked. The characters are interesting. The writing really puts you in the courtroom with our hero and lets you know how he thinks. When I first downloaded this book, I thought the author was a new indie author. But, WOW, the writing blew me away. No way was this his first book. And, of course, I was right. Now I have to find his other books to read them also. I enjoyed his writing that much. I totally recommend this book/author!

The author offers no apology for the politics of the protagonist and with that in mind you will be aware of how rare it is for a politician to be more concerned about our country than his ability to garner power. The ending is satisfying! and I will leave it at that. Well written, tight and to the point.

Contrary to what some other reviewers (i.e. “Book Killers”) on other sites have stated in their reviews of Mr. Rainer’s previous books in this series, I’ve found the “procedural points” the author has utilized to be quite enlightening, which gave the story a unique structure, and provided the reader an insight into the “thought processes” which occur during not only a jury trial but also the some of the machinations behind the scenes.

Be warned…as this book takes place in Washington, D.C. and “some” have stated that they were “offended” by portions of this book, therefore I STRONGLY RECOMMEND you read the “Prologue” first, as well as to remember what the author writes throughout it, in that what is occurring, “could take place by either party and would be just as reprehensible”, even with that said some of you are probably going to be offended. My advice don’t read it, go do some important historical research, and work on your reading comprehension skills.

So much for the disclaimers, time to move on.

As I’ve now read all 5 books in the series, and I’ve enjoyed each and every one of the thoroughly, and quite frankly I “personally” believe that the author is as good as, if not even slightly better than mainstream author John Grisham (whose books to me seem to be losing their edge).

I do not do “spoilers” in any review I write, at least not intentionally, and I “always” recommend that a reader whenever they are looking at book, or an author, to “read the blurbs”, try out a chapter (if it’s offered), and then make their own decision as to whether to purchase it, or use an Amazon Unlimited credit to download, if it’s offered in KU. So no spoilers here.

I recommend this book to unfold”. If you enjoy John Grisham, then you will in all probability enjoy this book.

Don’t start this book if you plan on getting anything else done!! Truly a page turner. Excellent read. Highly recommend.

Another good one from Marc Rainer. He does make you stop and think about the actual events happening in Washington.

See my review on BookBub.

Very well written. The story is original and suspenseful. The detailed evaluation of the dynamics between the lawyers is fascinating. Excellent read. Highly recommended.

Couldn’t put it down !! Excellent, have recommended it to friends.