This book is the best in this series, so far! It is a tightly woven & plotted story with many twists and a satisfying conclusion. I LOVE these characters! Highly, highly recommend!!

I would not recommend going into this book without first reading the prior books in the series. I was not aware that this was the fourth book in a series when I requested it. This legal thriller is a wild ride chocked full of twists, which isn't always a good thing. While this was an okay read, the writing style was just not for me. It's a hard book to follow. It has lots of plot lines but not much detail for any of them. Many characters but, again, not much development. I don’t think I’ll be reading another book by this author. Thank you to NetGalley, William L. Myers Jr., and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allowed me to write an unbiased review.

I've enjoyed two earlier (this one makes three) books in William L. Myers' 4-book Philadelphia Legal series. Myers, a successful trial attorney in private life, has proven he can write -- the pace, plotting, dialogue and characterization are above par.

McFarland and Stein is a legal partnership that handles high-profile criminal defense cases in Philadelphia. Whether or not you've read previous books in the series, you get to know not only the partners and their mates and other family members, but those of the supporting characters as well. There is a lot of back story; these are complex, long-standing, evolving relationships. High marks for all of these.

What I noticed more in this book than in A Criminal Defense and An Engineered Justice is that the plausibility factor is very, very low -- and I'm not referring to just the technology (which -- be honest -- strained credulity). Even the human interactions didn't follow any known patterns that I've encountered.

This was disappointing. What I love about reading this type of book is encountering smart people in tough, almost overwhelming, situations -- who let me come along as they think and feel their way out of danger. The subliminal takeaway is, "Whew! That could have happened to me -- all of it, the jeopardy, the vulnerability, the hard-won mastery, even perhaps the redemption."

This time I felt cheated, because so much of theory line seemed so very unlikely. Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for an advance readers copy.

I really loved the many dimensions of this book. It was a very well put together legal thriller. I find it hard to find good thrillers as far as the legal aspect is concerned. There's so many factors that come into play. This author did a great job covering all the bases. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.

Hard book to follow. Lots of plot lines but not much detail for any of them.
Many characters but, again, not much development.
The reveals were interesting but an awful lot of minutiae between.
However, I wouldn't not read any book by this author.

Wow, was this a wild book. Mick, a criminal defense attorney, is arrested for murdering Edwin Hanson, the chairman and CEO of Hanson World Industries. Edwin is the brother of one of Mick's former clients. The arrest is a surprise but the real shock comes when Mick learns there is surveillance footage of him actually shooting Edwin. Members of Mick's firm fan out, investigating (above board and otherwise) looking for anything that can prove he didn't do it.

The plot is twisty, and everyone has a motive and a plan for accomplishing something, though it's not immediately clear what everyone wants or why. The characters are all tied together in complicated, longstanding ways. There are spoilers for prior books so I wouldn't recommend beginning the series with this book, though enough information is given that you can start here.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.

I was not aware that this was the fourth book in a series when I requested it. I tried to read the first book in the series and I just could not get into it. Maybe in the future I will be in the mood for a legal thriller but right now I am not in the reading mood to finish four books by the publishing date.

Once again, author William L. Myers offers readers a tightly written, entertaining legal mystery that is filled with twists, turns and misdirection. A CRIMINAL JUSTICE may be a case of legal karma, or something resembling it. Do the characters deserve the payback that seems to occur at every opportunity? It sure seems as though they do. This is one tale where the good guys and bad guys are not that far apart in thought and deed. And that is one of many reasons why the book is so engrossing. This is a great, fast-moving tale and a good addition to the series. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley. I loved reading it.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, William L. Myers Jr., and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I always enjoy a William L. Myers, Jr. legal thriller and this one did not disappoint. Tossing some of the key characters into new roles, Myers is able to keep the quality of his work high and the twists plentiful. When a powerful Philadelphia businessman is gunned down in his company’s parking lot, the news spreads quickly. While many are aghast as to who might have committed this cold-blooded act, the police have a suspect plucked directly from the vide footage. Prominent defence attorney, Mick Mcfarland, is arrested during a firm celebration, pulled out in cuffs before staff and clients. He is sure that he could not have done this, though it would appear that all the evidence points in his direction. While he is locked up, the firm begins their preparations for defending him, which includes looking under every possible rock. McFarland defended the victim’s brother in a murder case, though that created many tangled webs and much animosity. While witnesses and their stories evolve, Mick admits that he has a condition whereby he passes out without being aware of what’s happened, bringing into question whether he may have been caught on screen without knowing what he was doing. This gem is something the prosecution has yet to discover. While Mick is in prison he finds himself in a complicated triangle as well, where two rival gangs seek to bring one another down and he, Mick, is their messenger. As the case goes to trial, the evidence is quite strong and Mick will have to rely on some tangential arguments surrounding a long-held vendetta to drake him, if he hopes to be set free. The courtroom is sure to be full of last-second maneuvers, though this might take a miracle. Myers does so well recounting this thriller, pulling the reader in and leaving them guessing until the final reveal. Recommended to fans of this series, as well as readers who want a well-crafted legal thriller whose momentum never stops.

I have been a fan of the series since the first book debuted to much fanfare. William L. Myers, Jr. has a knack for writing in such a way that the reader is hooked by the early chapters and vows to read at break-neck speed simply to know how things will turn out. Mick McFarland is a great character, whose legal prowess is turned on its head when he becomes the accused. His medical issues are only one of many things that Mick will have to face throughout the piece, as he tries to stay one step ahead of the prosecution and three in front of the gangs who are ready to see him killed. McFarland is an ethical man, but is willing to bend the rules when he feels it would be helpful, careful not to sell himself too short. A handful of other key characters return for another instalment of the series, reprising wonderful roles that series fans have come to know so well. Myers weaves a story using their unique characteristics and leaves the reader enthralled until the very end. New and exciting faces also make their way onto the pages of this book, some good and others as dirty as they come. The story moved well, though some of the tangled web plot lines were less than crisp, leaving me to wonder if Myers simply needed to fill some pages, rather than develop sharp and poignant dialogue and narrative progression. Still, it held my attention throughout and I was left wanting more. Set outside some of the more traditional locales I am used to with legal thrillers, Philadelphia comes alive and the reader can enjoy this backdrop as they try to piece together the case before the final pages.

Kudos, Mr. Myers, for another winner. I always enjoy when you come up on the reading radar, as you have yet to fail me!

William J. Meyers Jr. brings a fast-paced storyline and well-developed characters who work together as a team to protect those they love. The legal team seems to be on a roller coaster track to find the truth and out who or what is behind all of the mystery..

The storyline is filled with suspense and manipulation of people's lives. In Myers's own words, he creates a storyline around love and hate. Obsession and Guilt. Greed, ambition, and revenge. The author takes his readers on a journey discovering injustice and justice for each key characters, Readers will relate to and enjoy following their favorite character to the dramatic unpredictable conclusion. Myers skillfully delivers a captivating story that will leave readers looking for his next book.

Criminal Justice by William L. Myers, Jr. is the fourth in his "Philadelphia Legal" series. It picks up four years after Criminal Defense, his first novel, ends, and features most of the same characters. Mick McFarland, who previously defended David Hanson, is now being tried for capital murder for the killing of David's brother Edwin, CEO of Hanson World Industries. Because the plot ties specifically into what came before, I recommend reading Criminal Defense before Criminal Justice to better understand the latter's plot and to steer clear of any spoilers from the first book.

Criminal Justice is a solid legal thriller and fast paced courtroom drama, geared toward readers who enjoy John Grisham, Scott Turow, and Michael Connelly. The courtroom scenes featuring the presentation of computer technology (I don't want to get anymore specific to avoid spoilers) were especially fascinating. I also enjoyed how the author features his hometown of Philadelphia so intimately, as I think anyone who is familiar with the city will.

This author has a clever knack for leaving just a little extra zinger of a surprise until the very end and he didn't disappoint in this book. He also left a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm looking forward to the next installment to find out what happens.

Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

More People Seeking Revenge Than You Can Shake A Stick At

A local conglomerate CEO’s (Edward Hanson) murder opens this novel. The police are on it. Soon surveillance video is discovered showing the actual murder. The shooter is Mick McFarland. The police find video from other buildings showing Mick walking back to his nearby building. When arrested, his jacket, a lockbox from his desk, and his computer and corporate server were seized. The lockbox that could be opened only by Mick’s fingerprint contains the gun, which had only his fingerprints on it, is the murder weapon. Gunshot residue was on the jacket. e-Mails were found that showed a year long relationship with that Edward and provided a motive to kill him. Lastly, the FBI’s Computer Analysis Response Team reviewed and validated the video and e-mails. Lastly, Mick said to himself that it indeed looked like him in the video.

The case looks like a slam dunk case, and for Mick a meeting with a lethal injection. His partner, Susan, his wife, Piper, is brother, Tommy, and the rest of the firm are behind defending him and proving him innocent. A small crack appears in the case against him. It does not seem much against the evidence against Mick. As time goes on, the case appears to be much more complex and far reaching than it first appears with many suspicious events happening. There are ties back to the first novel in this series and, possibly, one other. Since spoilers are in this novel for the first novel; I would recommend reading, Criminal Defense, before reading this novel. If you choose to read this novel first, adequate background is provided that you do not read the previous novels to enjoy this one.

B-storyline is rich with the more background of Mick with all the major players. Background between all antagonists of Mick also is rich. Many of the antagonists seemed to be antagonists with each other. I really felt that I had a better understanding as to why the various characters acted the way they did.

There is one mildly graphic sex scene. It is two short paragraphs long, and can be skipped without hurting the storyline. As for possibly objectionable language, there was some, but not to the level I felt excessive. The level might be for someone more sensitive than I am. There is violence, but except for the murder, itself, most of it is described after the fact.

As the complexity grew as the novel proceeds, my attention was captured and held all the way to the end. I did discover a flaw that was very critical to the storyline. I believe that it will stay intact in the published novel. I also believe that most people may not recognize the flaw unless they have experience with information technology operations and support. This flaw really didn’t affect my enjoyment in reading this novel. All loose ends, except for the one noted above, were tied up by the end of the novel. Based upon all of the above, I rate this novel with five stars. I’ve even purchase one of the earlier novels to read. If you enjoy legal thrillers, this novel should be on your to read list.

I have received a free e-book version of this novel through NetGalley from Thomas & Mercer with an expectation for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read and review this novel early.

I have received this book from NetGalley in order to give a review.

Since reading the first offering in this series by Mr. Myers I have been hooked. This book again didn't disappoint!

This book takes a bit of a different approach to a legal thriller, but it doe not fail to have the twists and turns of all of this series. I must state that I enjoy the mentioning and placement of locations in Philly. Being from eastern PA I am aware of many of them.

I don't like to give anything away, but just let me state: great read, and well written.

Protagonist Mick McFarland is the one on trial this time and brings back a few of the support characters from previous books, including Piper (Mick's wife) Vaughn and Susan (firm associate and partner), and the crime family Nunzio.

In addition to McFarland, there is a large cast of characters but hones in on his brother Tommy and old nemesis Detective John Tredesco, along with Tredesco's newish partner, delicious red-headed Murphy. I like Tommy and Murphy as both have a rough background, hers being ex-military with conflict experience but read genuine. You knew, despite the age difference, sparks would eventually fly.

The well-plotted book diverts Mick's guilt or innocence and focuses on a complex conspiracy that is far-reaching, involving computer geniuses and a multi-billion dollar tech company. The victim is Edwin Hanson, the brother of David Hanson. That trial regarding the killing of a reporter has come back to haunt the Mick and the firm. 4.5/5 stars

While McFarland languishes in the slammer with a Ukrainian of dubious distinction, Piper is out beating every red herring she confronts leaving Susan floundering on defense strategy. Tommy and Murphy are busy running down a possible witness.

My favorite part is the court scenes and the dialogue, although it isn't until near the end that Mick takes over his own defense. Then that strategy and brilliant cunning begin to form. I did certainly enjoy the short treatise on CGI (computer-generated image).

The storyline built rather slowly and repetition of facts and theories made little forward progress. There is love and hate, greed, revenge, overwhelming guilt, and resolution. The conclusion includes a twist that was suspected but confirmed and winds down at the same pace leaving the reader bewildered.

I received this digital download from the publisher and NetGalley and greatly appreciated the opportunity to read Book 4 of the series. I do enjoy this author's courtroom dramas and look forward to the next. Recommended for those who enjoy complex, well-drawn, and unique legal thrillers.

The past few days I’ve been devouring an advanced copy of “A Criminal Justice,” coming out March 17th. William Myers shows us around the legal system in Philadelphia, where lawyer Mick McFarland has just been (wrongfully) arrested for the murder of renowned CEO, Edwin Hanson. Or is he really guilty? I was HOOKED from the very beginning.

Mick owns a law practice where his brother, Tommy, and wife, Piper, also work. While they are attempting to prove Mick’s innocence, you also see the perspectives of Edwin’s relatives and the police as they build the case against Mick. The drama takes place over the course of about 8 months, from the time Mick is arrested to the trial in court. All I can say without spoilers is some shady stuff takes place! I would definitely not classify this legal thriller as scary like a typical thriller by any means, but there’s some suspense and a sense of urgency pushing the novel along.

This story was a little bit different for me. I’m typically into make-the-hair-on-the-back-of-your-neck-stand-up thrillers where you experience the stalking/murder/etc. in “real” time, so seeing the investigation and courtroom drama was a different style for sure. If you’re into procedurals, I say you should definitely check this one out! (I will say that during the trial, the focus gets diverted to technological advances and the reliability of security cameras, which isn’t really my thing. Interesting, but seemed a little bit drawn out for my liking.)

There was quite a large case of characters and exploration into several minor storylines, so the middle felt a little watered down to me. Trying to keep track of who was related to who, and who had been accused of what in the past slowed down the drama and took the focus off of the suspense. However...here comes the embarrassing part. It wasn’t until AFTER I finished that I realized that “A Criminal Justice” is the fourth book in a series. FOURTH you guys! No wonder I was confused. At this point, I have to applaud Myers for summarizing three entire books worth of crimes and court appearances so succinctly that I didn’t even notice I was missing that much context. I’m definitely planning to go back and read the series as it was intended to be read. The previous cases investigated by McFarland and Klein sounded interesting, and the relationships and chemistry between all the characters is enough to spark my interest for a few more books.

Note to potential readers: to truly understand what's going on in this book, you should read A Criminal Defense (the first book in the series). While there is a precis in the form of a small infodump in the first chapter, it would be quite easy to get confused by the players and the conspiracy.

Mick McFarland, first introduced in A Criminal Defense, is back - this time being arrested at the very start of the book as his firm celebrates winning the release of an innocent man from prison.

When he, and everyone else, protests, the arresting officer smugly informs him (albeit obliquely) that there is video of him committing cold blooded murder.

Way back in my review of book one in this series, I said that with the possible exception of McFarland's very young daughter, there wasn't a single character that I liked. I'm sorry to say that this has not changed at all. The most authentic character is Catherine Nunzio, who heads up a crime family of the same name. While she's evil and a murderer herself, at least she understands in this author's universe what the hell she's doing. This book, like the first, is also in present tense, although in third person. Not my thing, and if it isn't yours, you might want to skip it.

McFarland insists he's innocent, but is held without bail due to the premeditation of the murder and video evidence that supposedly shows him killing Edwin Hanson - the president of HWI, and the brother of David Hanson, who McFarland managed to get off at HIS trial for killing a reporter back in book one.

McFarland wins up cellies with a Russian gangster, and there's a bit of a subplot that appears midway through the book between his criminal org and the Nunzios, but it isn't very interesting except when McFarland is used as a tool by both - I found that pretty amusing.

Spoilery stuff ahoy:

Tredesco's new partner - he appeared in the first book, and was peeved he couldn't lock McFarland up forever for the reporter's murder - Murphy (naturally a hot, red-haired woman from Boston) gets involved with McFarland's brother Tommy, and starts working on the wrong side of the case as far as the powers that be are concerned. I'd be a bit concerned too, if one of my detectives took it upon themselves to go to Puerto Rico to hunt down one of the prosecution's witnesses with the brother of the dude accused of the killing. This doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but there were various moments like that for me throughout the book.

Piper - McFarland's wife, who provided a bogus alibi for David Hanson in book one, is despised by David's wife Marcie for....reasons. I don't know, I think I'd be grateful for someone perjuring themselves on the witness stand for my loved one, even if I didn't like them for what they did. But nope, Marcie's a cold-hearted bitch through and through.

Then there's Brian Yamura, brother of the slain reporter, convinced McFarland killed his sister, who is somehow magically able to create havoc at HWI, which David now heads, including running ships aground and causing a quarter of a solar farm to burst itself into flames from halfway around the world. All it takes for him to come around is Team McFarland using Catherine Nunzio to get his adoption records and have his pops have a heart to heart with him.

None of it makes any sense, really. A bunch of people hate McFarland so frame him for a murder using - again, just as it's used in the first book - video, with an explanation that strains credulity and courtroom antics that do the same. The number of people in on the conspiracy to get McFarland put away is amazing, from the DA to the cops, to the security people at HWI, to the Hansons. There apparently isn't anyone who can't be bribed or murdered in order to achieve this goal. I don't like him very much either, but there are a lot worse ways to hurt someone than just getting them thrown in jail with the possibility of the death penalty if found guilty at trial. And none of it involves doctored surveillance video.

I'll probably not read another in this series. I did like the second and third books better than book one, but this is like Book One Redux: The Return of Bad Video Use.

Three and a half stars out of five. Mainly because all this video stuff is wrapped up now. Maybe we can move on to other things?

Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the reading copy.

I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed the first three books in this series, so I was delighted to see there was a new one on the way! A Criminal Justice is a really intriguing story, intricately plotted and packed with deceit. While I found it slow to start, once I hit the halfway point it really picked up. It was great to be back with familiar characters, and I found myself getting completely caught up in the story, especially towards the latter end of the book. Excellent series, and a cracking addition to it, A Criminal Justice was an engaging and devious read.

3.5 stars

Mick McFarland of McFarland & Klein is having a get together at his firm with his partners and associates to celebrate the release of one of Mick’s clients when the cops storm into his office and charge him with the murder of Edwin Hanson, CEO of Hanson World Industries.

The police take him down to the station for questioning along with some of his personal items that are confiscated from his office.

Four years earlier, Mick won a case for Edwin’s brother, David Hanson who was charged for killing Jennifer Yamura, a woman he was having an affair with.

Back at McFarland & Klein, Mick’s partner Susan Klein and the firm’s associates must come up with a plan to get Mick acquitted.

This is the fourth book in the Philadelphia Legal series. Would recommend

William Myers sets up a well done and complete novel touching upon the Jury trial of a man facing murder charges, the love of his family, the loyalty of an individual's coworkers and a fascinating look at the incredible future of computers and computing.
Mick McFarland is an attorney just coming off an important case when he is arrested for murder. Astonished he is faced with actual video of him walking in front of an individual and than clearly walking back and shooting that man to death. The proof of the crime seems irrefutable; it is shown in a video taken by surveillance cameras with dated impression data and no question of the time being that of the murder. Going to trial Mick is represented by another lawyer from his own firm. But the evidence brought by the District Attorney filing the case against Mick just continues to pile up with no way open to contest the adverse testimony.
Mick's wife Piper finally must take it upon herself to go after the party that may have committed the murder and placed the blame on her husband. The final section of the novel is a must read and involves an explanation of what looks like the future of computing. Some of the technique coming out in the book is available in applications in today's digital world and the author describes an end product currently available in some areas which are well on their way to making our world a much different place than we think. A mesmerizing novel that will grab the reader's attention and open doors that are unheard of by most people. The book is beyond being an all nighter and could very well be the first written description of a wonderful, but perhaps frightening world opening now.