I am a huge fan of James Patterson and this was my first time reading anything by Nancy Allen. The plotline was good, there were a couple of twists along the way, and the characters were well-developed.

“Gobblicious” is the perfect word to describe this compelling novel. This book masterfully blends a riveting courtroom legal battle with an irresistible mystery-thriller.

James Patterson teams up for his second collaboration with the accomplished Nancy Allen. She brings not only her own thrilling novels to the table but also her legal expertise as a former assistant attorney general and prosecutor, adding authenticity to this whirlwind tale. Patterson’s own talents for characterization and plotting shine throughout this suspenseful story.

Stafford Lee Penney, a local Biloxi hero, relishes engaging with his constituents. Revered as a criminal defense attorney who has never lost a case, he staunchly believes in the Fifth Amendment’s right to due process for everyone, regardless of personal feelings about the client. He finds himself embroiled in a highly explosive and controversial case, defending Dr. Daniel Caro, who is accused of murdering his lover, Aurora Gates. Despite the circumstantial evidence, the prosecuting district attorney, Henry Gordon-Jones—whose niece is the victim—presents damning evidence, including photos and expert testimony suggesting that Aurora’s body shows signs of strangulation and a gunshot wound, alongside other brutal injuries. Penney’s cross-examination highlights his client’s humanity and service to the community, even suggesting the possibility of another suspect. After a tumultuous trial, the verdict of “Not Guilty” leads to courtroom chaos, including an assault on Penney by the victim’s father, Benjamin Gates.

The plot thickens when Penney receives a phone call about the murder of his estranged wife, Carrie, found in their bed next to a man whose face has been gruesomely disfigured. Next to the bed, the authorities discover Benjamin Gates, dead from an apparent suicide. Overwhelmed with grief, Penney’s life spirals into alcoholism. The situation worsens when Dr. Caro’s wife is also found murdered, making Penney a prime suspect. He decides to defend himself, supported by his long-time friends Mason Burnett, a successful trial lawyer, and Jenny Glaser, a private investigator.

The authors excel at storytelling, weaving multiple plot lines, twists, and unexpected events into a suspenseful tale full of menace and intrigue. This unpredictable narrative culminates in an explosive finale, deftly addressing themes of racism, corruption, and the complex ramifications of both friendship and love. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for supplying an uncorrected proof in exchange for an honest review.
Published at MysteryAndSuspenseMagazine.com.....

I loved it. Lots of twists and turns on what was going to happen next. One of my new favorite books.

You will probably think you're reading Grisham. But not Grisham at his peak. The book is okay. I wish I had listened to the audio version while on a drive because it was a mediocre read, but maybe a great voice actor could elevate it. I did not hear the audio version so that's speculation.
Top lawyer is murder suspect. Okay, we've trekked this road before and it's been done better elsewhere. Including in one of the Lincoln Lawyer novels. These author with sub author books are a curious thing. I wonder who was actually the lead creative force. Things that make you go hmm.


C+

Classic James Patterson mixed with a bit of John Grishams southern lawyer vibe adds to one heck of a story filled with rich characters, well plotted red herrings, and a delightful twist. This one is a sure fire hit and will make you look twice the next time you see a life guard! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the read!

I think that James Patterson will always be an author that can capture my attention and will always love reading. Stafford Lee Penny is a small town, southern lawyer that is known and knows everyone. The case he is working on now has quite a few risks and leads to quite a few problems for Stafford. This case ends up complicating things for Stafford and he ends up with a murder charge of his own. In this fast paced, suspenseful thriller, we find out how Stafford can get out of this charge.

This was a great fast-paced story, the characters and plot were well written and flowed so nicely. I honestly didn't want to put this one down, I read it in a day. I hope that he makes this one a series, because I would love to hear more about Stafford, his private eye, Penny and the rest of the small town crew.

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown and Company Publishing and James Patterson and Nancy Allen for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. The #1 Lawyer publishing date was 18 March 2024. If you like a quick, suspenseful read, pick up this one!!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishing house, and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of this book in return for review, based upon my honest opinion

It has been a hot minute since I have read a James Patterson book that I enjoyed this much. The pace of this book, the storyline, and the characters were so good and so well written. This book reminds me of why I love James Patterson. I was obsessed with the Alex Cross books and the Women’s Murder Club series has to be one of my all-time favourite series. I hope that this book becomes a series because I really enjoyed the characters.

Stafford Lee Penny, is a big-time lawyer in a small town, his reputation is known by everyone. Stafford’s latest case seems like it may not be winnable, and if it isn’t, what risk is there to him as his client is a mob boss’ son. Is the verdict the right verdict or is Stafford Lee potentially fighting to set a guilty man free.

Stafford Lee is not alone in his fight for justice. He has a wonderful private eye Penny, a new assistant, Rue and a good friend Mason, who is also a solicitor. What happens when Stafford Lee becomes accused of murder? Is someone setting him up or is there something deeper going on?

Great book quick read I really hope there’s a second in this series.

Fans of the James Patterson franchise are the target for the book, but it had definite overtones of Grisham novels as well. It WAS set in Mississippi, after all. The characters and plot keep you entertained, but I wouldn’t place it with my favorite legal thriller authors.

Patterson's books can occasionally be hit or miss for me. This one definitely hit the mark! This is a fast-paced page turner. It pulls the reader in from the start, then takes the reader on a twisty ride to the unexpected ending. The mix of realistic courtroom drama mixed with murder, corruption, and well-developed characters make this an engaging read.

At this point, James Patterson attaches his name and recognition to books written by other people. Some are good- Howard Roughan- and some are not. The #1 Lawyer is somewhere in the middle. I miss old James Patterson when he wrote his own books.

I love books by James Patterson and The #1 Lawyer did not disappoint. It grabbed me from the very beginning and I didn't want to put it down until the last page. Full of twist and turns, I highly recommend, The #1 Lawyer, by James Patterson.

I had a lively conversation with James Patterson about The #1 Lawyer, co-written with Nancy Allen for my podcast The Modern Law Library. It was obvious that they carefully researched for the courtroom scenes, which should be appreciated by the readers with legal backgrounds. I liked that both the prosecutor and criminal defense attorney were given agency and personalities. The adventures outside the courtroom felt far-fetched, but most legal thrillers do! I think it's a perfect accompaniment for an airplane journey, and it ends satisfactorily if it's a one-off, while leaving potential room for further adventures for Stafford Lee Penney.

Such a fun murder mystery! Stafford Lee Penney is the top attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi when he wins a particular case but loses his life as he has known it. This is the story of his rehabilitation both emotionally and legally. There are lots of murder cases to solve, lots of clues to put together, and a surprise ending to tie it all together. It's a fast, compelling read, with short chapters and lots of action. Highly recommend!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The #1 Lawyer.

Thank you Net Galley, the publishers and authors for offering an advance copy of this new Patterson-Allen partnership.

I’ve been a fan of Patterson’s work in the past, however, once he started striking out with various coauthors he did just that, struck out. At least, in my estimation. I haven’t been the loyal reader I once was. I was hoping to see a shift to more of what I like and expect in the Michael Bennett or Women’s Murder Club series. I’m still going to hold out hope that, what appears to be the kick off of a new series, grows and matures into a more cohesive and structured read.

I think the two main characters, Stafford Lee and Jenny, have a long road to travel before they are the caliber of a Michael Bennet and Lindsey Boxer, but the seeds are planted. They need time and attention to grown into what I have come to hope for from Patterson.

The #1 Lawyer is written by James Patterson and Nancy Allen. I have been reading James Patterson since I was 15 years old when my grandmother would pick up his books at garage sales and when she was done, she would pass them along to me. She is gone now, so Patterson will always hold a special place in my heart.

Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big-time reputation for winning every case he tries. However, then his wife is murdered and he finds himself as the prime suspect. He soon finds out that he does not know who he can trust. Who could possibly be the real suspect and why are they trying to frame Stafford?

Lots of drama, suspense, court room antics and so much more. What could go wrong with a lawyer that is representing himself during a murder trial.

Thank you to the author and publisher for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Well I like James Patterson before and I like him again for this novel. I had good reason to sit and read (back spasms kept me sitting), and I was not disappointed.
This is a fast paced and very interesting story. The #1 Lawyer has his days in court and after a very disturbing personal attack, that #1 Lawyer becomes the #1 Loser. How does that happen?
When you bring together a roster of characters, some good , some not so good and some dispicable, anything and I mean anything is possible.
Patterson has done a marvelous job in combining all these elements to bring us a page turner that won't leave you disappointed.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good mystery, good sleuthing and lots of twists and turns. I could not put it down.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley.com in return for my honest opinion!

Wow! This was a great read with lots of ups and downs for our fave lawyer and his friends...I didn't see that last betrayal coming and man it hurt! Happy(ish) endings are my fave and this one had one! I love a redemption arc and this book had a great one for both the lawyer and his PI! I can't wait to see what Nancy Allen writes next!

Stanford Lee Penney is the #1 Lawyer in Biloxi, Mississippi and he's riding high as the novel opens but things quickly get messy for him personally and professionally. I hadn't read a Patterson novel in quite a while because I got tired of the gruesome crime scenes. While this one has murder scenes it doesn't linger there and instead, this story of Stanford Lee and his life takes center stage. I enjoyed the characters and the story and was happy to keep reading it.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an advance copy. This book is available now.

I really enjoyed this book. The story is about Stafford Lee, A defense attorney, who lives in Biloxi, Mississippi. Stafford's career and personal life start to unravel when he takes on a seemingly unsinkable case.This book has many twists and turns.

Thank you NetGalley and Little, Brown, and Company for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Great book. I am a new reader to James Patterson’s books. I am on number 20 in the Women’s Murder Club series. It is one of the best series I have ever read.