AN IRRESISTIBLE TREAT FOR FANS OF JOHN GRISHAMMove over, Jake Brigance. No-nonsense, world-weary Minneapolis lawyer Marc Kadella shines through gritty, street-wise narrative in Dennis Carstens’ action-packed legal thriller series, sure to please fans of courtroom drama and classic noir alike.Marc takes the proverbial road less traveled, going from life as a frustratingly floundering defense … classic noir alike.
Marc takes the proverbial road less traveled, going from life as a frustratingly floundering defense attorney to that of a celebrated criminal lawyer, while representing a handful of colorful clients running the gauntlet from vigilante to psychopath. And Marc deftly adapts to each of them. But the hero’s journey is only part of the fun. You can almost see the men sporting fedoras, and the babes would stop traffic even without the cleavage Carstens makes their standard attire. And there’s a contemporary angle sure to please fans of both sexes—the toughest guy in the series is gorgeous investigator Maddy Rivers.
BOOK ONE – THE KEY TO JUSTICE
Financially embarrassed, getting a divorce, living in a shabby apartment, and distinctly short of clients, Marc Kadella’s beginning to question why he ever went into the law when a friend brings him the case all Minneapolis is watching–defending an accused serial killer. If he wins, it could turn his life around— if he blows it, he better go into sales.
BOOK TWO – DESPERATE JUSTICE
After winning the case of a lifetime, Minneapolis criminal defense lawyer Marc Kadella welcomes the infusion of energy his career is receiving. Another lawyer asks him to represent the co-defendant in a murder trial resulting from a petty crime that spiraled out of control—the somewhat “accidental” murder of the nephew of Vivian Corwin, grande dame of the influential Corwin family.
BOOK THREE – MEDIA JUSTICE
An adorable—and photogenic—two-year-old girl is kidnapped, and, when her remains are found, her twenty-two-year-old widowed mother Brittany is charged with her murder. But before she can even be charged she’s been tried and convicted by the media—with tragic consequences.
BOOK FOUR – CERTAIN JUSTICE
Marc was torn about representing oft-assumed psychopath Howie Traynor—his first homicide case—but even he was relieved when Howie was put away for forty years… Until, a decade later, his case is re-opened. And now not only Howie, but a handful of wrongfully-accused felons are back out on the streets.
BOOK FIVE – PERSONAL JUSTICE
In Dennis Carstens’ fifth hard-boiled legal thriller, we meet the classic black widow. All of Mackenzie Sutherland’s late husbands were millionaires. Each died suddenly and quite mysteriously of massive heart attacks (in spite of no history of heart trouble). And each left their children with nothing—and their young, beautiful bride (of about a year or so) with millions.
No one can resist Mackenzie’s charm. Not her current family attorney, not even sharp, successful lawyer Marc Kadella.
BOOK SIX – DELAYED JUSTICE
Maddy’s new beau, investment analyst Rob Judd, is found brutally murdered in his home—with an unconscious Maddy at the gruesome scene of the crime, clutching the murder weapon. Convinced she was framed, Marc decides to take on the case in spite of his close connections to the client. He finds he must delve deep into the complex money laundering schemes of Rob’s employer to save Maddy from false imprisonment. Or worse.
Carstens’ realistic take on the law as a nuts-and-bolts, often rickety way to make a living blends nicely with his worldly-wise portrayal of backroom deals, crooked cops, and conniving judges and politicians. Now bundled as a page-turning box set in an offer legal drama fans can’t refuse!
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This series builds with characters common in each book but not relying on having read the previous books.
The action takes place in Minnesota and the descriptions of the locations is great.
After finishing one wanted to immediately move to the next one.
I enjoy the character development as the stories go on. Interesting predicaments. Easy to read.
Had already read Media Justice and Delayed Justice when I bought this. The first couple of books in the box set were almost painful to read they were so clunky. By Media Justice, they had improved. Marc still isn’t all that likable and is still a poster child for politically incorrect.
Learned a lot able the legal system and the twin cities reading this fascinating series. Enjoyed each novel and although there I some redundancy in the background narrative the stories are well written and keep you interested. Can’t wait for more.
I enjoyed each and everyone of these books! They are all so exciting and kept my attention throughout each book in the series. I love the characters and how they have formed a great team in solving crime and putting away the killers. I will be reading more from this author for sure!!
3 Stars
The Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Vol 1-6 (Box Set) contains the first 6 books in the legal mystery Series by Dennis Carstens. It has drama, intrigue, interesting storylines, and plenty of mystery. This is my first foray into Mr. Carstens stories, so I didn’t really know what to expect going in. I love a great mystery, and legal/courtroom based mysteries are a particular favourite of mine. I did enjoy the stories, but there were a few minor issues with the delivery, such as editing issues and a few procedural mistakes which disrupted the flow, and made the stories less convincing than they could have been with just a little bit more polishing.
The box set contains:
The Key to Justice (Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Book #1)
3 Stars
The Key to Justice is the first book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries series by Dennis Carstens. Here we are introduced to Attorney Marc Kadella, who has had a tough time of late. His practice is struggling, and his personal life is a mess. So, when he is handed a high-profile case to defend an accused serial killer, Marc’s life is about to get a whole lot more interesting. And so, the story begins.
The plot was quite clever and well thought out- but the delivery was a little lacking. Editing issues really detracted from my reading experience, which is a real pity- because this book/series really does have the potential to be brilliant. But the story did keep me intrigued enough to want to know what happens. I will read the next book in the hope that the editing issues will be resolved in future instalments.
Desperate Justice (Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Book #2)
3 Stars
Desperate Justice is the second book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens. It has drama, mystery, intrigue, politics, and more.
In this instalment Marc will need to defend a former Judge on murder charges. There is much to uncover, and we are taken on a bit of a rollercoaster ride as the story unfolds. An interesting addition to the series.
Media Justice (Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Book #3)
3 Stars
Media Justice is the third book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens.
Marc Kadella defends a young single mother is charged with the murder of her adorable 2 year-old daughter. There is a public outcry, and the young mother is tried in the media, before she even gets the chance to do so in the courtroom. What happens, you ask? Well, you really should read all the details for yourself to avoid me giving away any spoilers.
The story felt quite realistic and believable.
Certain Justice (Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Book #4)
3 Stars
Certain Justice is the fourth book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens. It is a legal mystery, with murder, psychopath, court procedure, drama, intrigue, interesting characters, and some suspense.
A convicted psychopath who had been sentenced to 40 years in jail has his case reopened and is later released when the DNA evidence is overturned. Four other prisoners are also released due to the DNA slipup. But things get intense when judges, jury members and law enforcement officers are being targeted by a serial killer. Has Marc got a target on his back? Read the story to find out.
Personal Justice (Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Book #5)
3 Stars
Personal Justice is the fifth book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens. This story has mystery, suspense, intrigue, drama, surprising developments, and gripping details. One of the more interesting stories in the series so far- this is a “Back-Widow” mystery.
Mackenzie Sutherland has had a string of very wealthy husbands who all died very unexpectedly, leaving all their wealth to their young wife. Mackenzie proves to be as charming as she is beautiful. But is she really responsible for the deaths. Or is there more to the story?
A fast-paced thriller!
Delayed Justice (Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series Book #6)
3 Stars
Delayed Justice is the sixth book in the Marc Kadella Legal Mysteries Series by Dennis Carstens. This instalment has mystery, intrigue, drama, murder, money laundering, a ruthless Mexican drug cartel, a dangerous hitman, a set up, hidden agendas, politics, the police, and FBI.
This story hits close to home for Marc Kadella when his friend and investigator, Maddy Rivers is found unconscious at the scene of a murder, with the murder weapon in her hands. Marc will need to dig deep to prove Maddy has been framed and uncover what really happened. There is more to the story than first appears.
An intriguing addition to the series.
Thank you, Mr. Carstens!