Premier adult community with everything you could possibly want, need, or dream of doing in your retirement years is just a golf cart ride away—now the scene of a murderIn this John Grisham style mystery, Matt Royal, the retired lawyer-turned-beach-bum is called back into the courtroom to defend his girlfriend J. D. Duncan’s Aunt Esther, who lives in the sprawling North Central Florida retirement … Florida retirement community of The Villages. A best-selling author has been murdered after a book signing, and Aunt Esther has been arrested. Matt has a history with the local sheriff—one which may not bode well for his client.
Matt reluctantly suits up for the courtroom, and J.D. takes a leave from the police department to go undercover. A bizarre specter from the past haunts their investigation every step of the way. As they delve further into the case, the pieces of the puzzle refuse to fall into any kind of coherent pattern. Jock Algren arrives with his special skill set to expose the real murderer and free Aunt Esther, but to no avail. Not until the case goes to trial and the evidence is revealed does the truth emerge—and a strange kind of justice prevails.
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I love this series and can’t wait to read the next one! This was well written; and follows the course in Florida’s court system. If you haven’t read any of Matt Royal’s series…do so now!
As a former (non-trial) lawyer, I find the courtroom portions of Griffin’s book, as with his other books, very intriguing. The mystery encompassing the story is well developed and satisfying.
This must be a series, but this is the first book I have read. I immediately liked Matt Royal, and throughout the book, I am trying to nail down the real relationship between J.D. and Matt. They appear so perfect for each other, but we do not really get to know J.D. The thoroughness of Attorney Royal’s work is beyond reproach, and if I was ever in trouble, I’d sure want him in my corner! The process of getting to the truth in this story was probably easier than in real life, but overall, a good read. More detail than I needed on the legal procedures, but regardless informative.
This author never disappoints me. I’ve enjoyed every book he’s written.
It was great. Live in the Villages and related to all the local action.
Held My interest because I lived in the vicinity of The Villages for over ten years and was familiar with all the places mentioned. Story a little “corny”, but passable.
It was also very interesting to read about
The Villages
Not very goid
Best of the series
too many confusing people at conclusion
Back and forth travels confusing at times.
The first book about this character that I have read. It kept a good pace and had unexpected turns that kept it interesting.
Okay read.
Matt Royal is a retired lawyer -turned beach bum. He finds himself called back into the legal system when his girlfriend’s aunt is arrested for murder.
Aunt Esther lives in a retirement community in Florida. She is accused of murdering a sort – of friend who lives in the same area. She was shot in the back and dumped in a parking lot. The victim was a best-selling author and had just finished a book signing.
Things don’t look good for Aunt Esther. The murder weapon is found in her house with her fingerprints all over the gun and bullets. She was heard saying that she was going to kill the victim the day before she was shot.
Matt has his hands full, as well as trying to find a way to beat these charges. The local sheriff and Matt have a history … and not a good one. And there are people who aren’t who people believe they are.
It is only when Esther goes to trial that the puzzle pieces begin to fall in some kind of order.
I really enjoy a good legal thriller … especially when it is well-written and not a Perry Mason moment anywhere to be seen. Matt Royal is a great character, as is his girlfriend, J. D. who is also a law enforcement officer. I love how they interact with each other, as well as with their friends. One of them is Jock, who’s a sniper for an unnamed company. Murder is serious, but there’s always room for a little humor and the author writes it well.
This is book 11 in a series …. and it does well as a stand alone. I have read some of his earlier books and found all of them to be engaging, filled with twists and turns and surprising endings.
Many thanks to the author / Oceanview Publishing / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Have read all the Matt Royal books. Loved them all!
Well thought out plot
We love the Matt Royal series, and look forward to each new one. This story was as great as his previous books. Highly recommend it.
Great to have another Matt Royal story! My very favorites in this series are the ones where the islands are the main setting. Much of the action in this one takes place in The Villages (discouragingly far inland). I also found myself just slightly uncomfortable with some of the legal maneuvering – it seemed a bit odd. All that said, it’s a great book and a worthy entry in a supremely entertaining series! Keep ’em coming, please…