Twenty-two years ago, Ike Rossi’s life was shattered when his parents were murdered in cold blood. He surrendered his football scholarship and returned home to find their killer and raise his nine-year-old sister. Now, the crime of a local ten-year-old genius, Jack Cole, threatens to unearth old wounds rather than provide the closure Ike desperately wants.When Ike meets Jack inside the Pittsburgh … Pittsburgh courthouse, he doesn’t see a murderer but instead a boy who has been victimized by a system that has left them both without justice. Despite knowing the case will resurrect the painful demons of his parents’ unsolved murders, Ike agrees to clear Jack’s name. The court of public opinion and the district attorney have an airtight case. Worse, taking Jack’s side thrusts Ike into the crosshairs of the most powerful family in Pittsburgh, the Falzones.Now, with only days before the trial, Ike confronts the Falzones’ crumbling empire to find the shocking evidence that could save Jack. At the same time, he races to decipher a series of cryptic clues from Jack’s dead father that could hold the key to his son’s freedom. But each step closer to the truth draws them further into danger, and as three fractured families collide, Ike is forced to choose between saving Jack-and saving himself.The Victim of the System is a powerful and entertaining thriller about the justice system, closure and the abyss between them.
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This is an amazing story that could be all too real. With the first page, the reader will be hooked and find this book difficult to put down. Lots of action with never-ending intensity, this book has haunted me even since I have finished it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An outstanding book!
The Victim of the System – A well written, fast paced, action packed thriller, filled with suspense and an intriguing, dynamic plot. The characters are interesting, well developed and likable, the good guys that is, but the bad guys fill out their roles, too. This is probably the best of all of Hadden’s stories, which is quite an accomplishment since his other books are also substantial reads. Needs minor editing. I received this book through AXP.com. 5*
The Sunset Conspiracy – My first book by this author and I enjoyed it. There are quite a few good people fighting quite a few criminals. The story is fast paced with a believable storyline, although a time or two, it’s too easy or unrealistic how an event turns out; especially the ending. I liked the characters and their realistic dialog and behavior. The book could use some editing, but it’s still good entertainment, nothing stupid. I’ll be reading his Swimming Monkeys next. I received the Swimming Monkeys through AXP.com.
Genetic Imperfections – Fast paced. Action packed. Intriguing. Interesting, well developed characters that are so realistic, along with their thoughts and dialog. A well thought out, twisting plot that the reader can immerse in for the length of the book. Editing was better for this book compared to his other four books.
Swimming Monkeys Series – This is a new author to me and I liked his five books. Swimming Monkeys consists of three action packed, fast paced suspense novels with interesting characters that kept developing along with the storyline. I prefer books with science and technology, and the author did a good job with his descriptions and explanations. The dialog was realistic and my favorite character is Thad, a cool dude; my least favorite is Thad’s brother. All the books needed some editing, but not too distracting, although God is lower case a lot. I received the author’s books through AXP.com.
Genesis #1 – Genesis is complete but still has a cliffhanger ending. A well written, suspense filled, action packed story with an interesting storyline. All the characters are developed with realistic behavior and dialog. The emotions run the gamut: disbelief; anger; hate; love; deception; fear; bravery. One part of the journey is completed; the series continues with Revelation, the second book.
Revelation #2 – This book continues 60 minutes after the point Genesis ended. Revelation is complete but has a cliffhanger ending! A well written, suspense filled, action packed story with an interesting storyline filled with destruction every step of the journey our heroes make. All the characters are developing, still with realistic behavior and dialog. Emotions run the gamut: disbelief; anger; hate; love; deception; fear; bravery and plenty of sacrifice by others. While Thad is still a cool dude, there are others just as cool. Another part of the journey is completed; the series continues with Exodus.
Exodus #3 – Exodus picks up in the cliffhanger from Revelation. The description of The Trail of Tears is quite incorrect, missing a lot of Indian tribes. Well written; suspense filled; action packed. Full of emotions and pain for all involved in this last leg of the journey. The characters are multi-faceted and realistic in their dialog and actions. A very entertaining series of books. This book needs editing.
This was the first book I’ve read by Steve Hadden and I am so happy I found this book and this author. My reviews never have spoilers, but what I can unequivocally tell you is this: This book is captivating from the very first chapter. The story is great, the plot is phenomenal, there are actually subplots within the main plot, the characters are well developed and oh, so believable. Twists and turns in this thriller that keep you from putting this book down, kept me swiping my Kindle, you know, just one more chapter, okay, just one more! Gives you exactly what you would expect in a mystery thriller: secrets, lies, deception and corruption. You just need to pick up this book and read it. Caution: Get a good chair, a beverage, and go to a place where you won’t be interrupted because you will want to read this through to the end at the risk of overlooking anything else productive that you need to do