"The #1 Lawyer” by James Patterson and Nancy Allen was an entertaining 5-star read! Stafford Lee Penney is undefeated as a defense attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi. Shortly after winning the biggest case, his wife is murdered, sending Stafford Lee into a dark spiral. With the help of his friends Mason and Jenny, he claws his way back into the courtroom.

I have always been a fan of James Patterson’s novels. Over the last couple of years, I felt like we weren’t getting his best work. That changed with “The #1 Lawyer”; this story was outstanding. The story has a fast pace that makes you want to keep reading. If you are a fan of James Patterson or legal thrillers, then you need to run to the bookstore to get this book!

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company, James Patterson, Nancy Allen, and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC and share my honest review.

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors and wow was this another winner!!! I loved that the book was set in Louisiana, it felt so fresh and new. I especially appreciated the twists and turns that kept me guessing the entire time. With all of James Patterson books he writes in such a way that you are immediately drawn into the storyline and can not put the book down. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a page turner and solid plot.

Good plot, but shallow execution

The plot of this was good. When I started reading about a Biloxi attorney named Stafford Lee Penney, I thought I was reading a Grisham or Isles book. But I quickly noticed that the writing had no depth. Although Penney went through many crises (estranged wife was found naked and murdered, good friend was first beaten and then he was, protege was accused of murder and then he was), nothing really affected me. Grisham and Isles books leave me anguished. This did nothing. It might have been lack of character development.

There were also some unlikely things that happened that bothered me. First, the high school coach was also found murdered next to Penneys wife. Nothing was ever mentioned about their relationship or any investigation taken to see if it was legit. On two occasions Penney went into a restaurant, ordered, and a few paragraphs later was eating his food. Even McDonalds is not that fast. The one that really got me was when he ran after some law enforcement offers. They went into a building and he was a little ways behind..They got in an elevator. Penney somehow saw them hit the button for the third floor and ran up the stairs. I am not sure if Penney had x-ray vision, but otherwise I don't know how he could see what button they pushed.

This was not a bad book, It just did not achieve its potential.,

It had been too long since I had read one of this author’s books. It was as twisty and unexpected as I remember. The story follows the main character, Stafford Lee Penney. We see him through several different stages in his career and life. Imagine being at the top of your game, and then having it all taken away. This storyline was so interesting and intense pretty much from page one. I know there’s always people that say they had it figured out, but I’ll admit that I was surprised. Definitely give this book a try. See if you can figure it out.

James Patterson’s newest novel is a legal thriller that you can’t put down. Stafford Lee Penny is “The #1 Lawyer” in town and is at the top of his game, when tragedy strikes. Although legally cleared of murder, lingering suspicion ruins his career and sends him into a tailspin. Will reinventing himself save his career?

Patterson has once again teamed up with author Nancy Allen to create a seemingly authentic legal thriller. The characters are well rounded, Stafford Lee is a wonderfully flawed protagonist. The plot, as usual for a Patterson book, is convoluted and will keep the reader guessing until the end. The typical numerous short chapters create a pace that makes this book another page-turner.

Although the book did plant a couple clues that point to solving the crimes, I feel that the clues were a little too sparse. I enjoy a book that keeps me guessing to the end. But I also want to be able to look back and realize that the clues were there for me to notice. That said, I still loved the book and hope to see a new series. Will "the #1 Lawyer" defend "The #2 Suspect"?

Stafford Lee Penney is an incredibly successful lawyer who is at the top of his game; has never lost a case but his life is far from perfect. A chain of events from his most recent case defending Dr. Caro who was accused of murdering his lover who was also a patient. After the not guilty verdict is read, Stafford Lee should be celebrating but things start to change for the worse and before he knows it he is being charged with murder.

What went so wrong that Stafford lee has lost almost everything in the blink of an eye? This story will have you full engaged and wanting to read more every turn of the page.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and authors for my ARC!

4 stars!

Mr. Patterson creates riveting tales full of intrigue with fascinating characters and this book fits the bill perfectly.

I voluntarily read an advanced copy.

Stafford Lee is a great lawyer. He wins every case, even when it seems impossible. Then something happens and he hits rock bottom before he can claw himself back up.

But somehow he's angered the wrong people and they are making him pay. And pay, and pay.

Great characters, fast paced. Many twists. The book can leave you breathless. Written in the style of a John Grisham novel, this is one that shouldn't be missed.

Sleep is completely unnecessary when I start reading a James Patterson novel. This newest thriller was no exception. This is definitely not the normal type of story that we see from this author, but oh boy was it good. This legal thriller reads more like a John Grisham novel with Mr. Patterson's thriller touch. It is even set in the south in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Stafford Lee Penney is a top notch criminal defense attorney. He has never lost a case. He is definitely the man you want in your corner on your day in court. He is fearless, highly intelligent and electric in the courtroom. In his newest case he may be in over his head for the first time in his career. He is not as sure about a win for this one, but he will never admit defeat to anyone. After winning this case, he is riding on cloud nine when he learns his wife has been killed. The circumstances of her death are scandalous. He falls into a deep depression and cannot function as a contributing member of society, much less an attorney. Never count Stafford Lee Penney down for the count. His comeback and further struggles will have you flying through the pages of this book all while rooting for his victory in every area of his life.

The suspense and intrigue abound, and the mystery continues to deepen the further you get into the book which will pull you into the black hole of no sleep until you finish, as per usual. I hope this is just the beginning of this new character. I really, really liked Stafford Lee Penney. I could see myself reading many more books with him at center stage. Readers who enjoy thrillers with a legal edge to them will enjoy this book immensely. Both authors' styles and expertise shine through the pages. Let's see another one soon.

Thank you to Little Brown and Company and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

When you take a courtroom drama and mix in the twists and turns of a good mystery, you have found my favorite kind of book. James Patterson is one of my favorite authors, but this is not his usual type of book. That is the part I found fascinating.

The story takes place in Biloxi, Mississippi, and I thought it would just be like another Grisham book, but I was wrong. Then you bring in a lawyer like the Lincoln Lawyer series, and I thought it would be like a Connelly book. Now take those two and add in Patterson's special way of writing. You have the short chapters that somehow make you want to keep reading forever to find out what is next, and characters that you cheer on throughout the book. You think you have the story all figured out, but then you remember that Patterson wrote it, and you know you are going to be wrong.

I also appreciated that he co-authored with Nancy Allen, who brought in her legal expertise to the book. It was a great match.

I would be interested in reading more books about Stafford Lee, the main character, and Jennie, his private investigator. I think I would hang out with the both of them in real life.

I gave this book 4.5 stars. It would be five stars, but it started out just a little slow for me. After the first few chapters, though, I couldn't put it down. I was given this book for my honest review.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #LittleBrownandCompany for the book #The#1Lawyer by #JamesPatterson and #NancyAllen. This book is amazing! I love all the murder and mayhem and the finger pointing. It is a crazy ride and I read it on two sittings. I highly recommend this book that has affairs, love, hate and plenty of murders.

#1 Lawyer is definitely my favorite James Patterson book in a LONG time! The story kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t stand to put the book down. This was a thrilled whodunit and I could figure out the person(s) responsible.
However, I absolutely hated the main character’s name. Stafford Lee is definitely an out of the box name and it just annoyed me so badly.
Luckily the book was good enough to sort of distract me from the awful name. But I really did enjoy it.

Read this on a train trip - thank you NetGalley for the ARC to read and review!

James Patterson is very consistent enjoyable author for me, and I think co-author Nancy Allen added a great deal of legal authenticity to the book. The book is pretty much as described - a talented southern attorney goes through a personal misfortune, career tanks, he rebuilds only to face a massive challenge to his career and personal future. Ok, we all know Patterson books resolve plotlines - this will end up ok, but how will he and his co-writer take the reader to that finish line?

This book has good characters and a relatively satisfying plot twist/resolution. But why does it need to be set in Biloxi, Mississippi? It is toooo close to John Grisham's base of Memphis and haven't we read enough about southern law firms? Can't it be based in Chicago or Montana or Indiana? I did feel Stafford Lee's trajectory was a bit depressing and not quite believable- I thought he would have a better way to handle his personal and legal troubles, but I'll suspend those thoughts to read Patterson. I did think the flip-flop angle was kind of weird and out of any realm of normal attorney character. Be a lifeguard, fine (slightly odd choice IMO)! But no flip flops in the courtroom. I felt they were borrowing from Michael Connelly's (The Lincoln Lawyer) main character having the 'defining quirk' of driving in the Lincoln car. But flip flops don't really make us think of legal powerhouses, and that's what we all really want to read about, isn't it?

My last gripe has to do with the book summary from the publisher. Why does the reader need to be told Stafford Lee's wife is killed??? Are there not enough readers willing to read a book by this major author without being spoon fed major plot elements before they even open the book? Please, I beg publishers to stop doing this and let us readers be surprised by something!

Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to seeing where Patterson goes with this new series. AND I will seek out Nancy Allen's writing to try it out. 4-stars.

I love James Patterson books. He is the only author I read before I found bookstagram. I did really like this one but about 30% through I felt like it wasn’t matching the synopsis. It eventually all came together nicely.

The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen is an entertaining legal thriller. I've read many James Patterson books, but I'm also a fan of the co-author, Nancy Allen. Together, the two authors have created a tense, suspenseful, and sometimes stressful story. I was rooting for the main character, Stafford Lee Penney when he was the "#1 lawyer", and after his fall from grace. Other than that, it was hard to know who to trust in this twisty mystery/thriller. There were a couple of other characters I liked, but since it was clear someone was double-crossing Stafford Lee, I was afraid to get too attached to anyone else!

The story alternates between being hopeful and heartbreaking, but is consistently engaging. The drama is sometimes over-the-top, but I couldn't put it down and I loved the ending. I would love to see additional books with Stafford Lee and those who prove themselves to be his allies. Fans of John Grisham’s courtroom thrillers would enjoy this well-written book. (4.5 stars)

I received an advance copy of this ebook at no cost from NetGalley and Little Brown and Company. My review is voluntary and unbiased.

In Patterson's latest book the #1 Lawyer, Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big-time reputation for winning every case he tries. Penney is Biloxi, Mississippi’s #1 Lawyer and top local celebrity.

Just as Penney wins his latest courtroom victory, his wife is killed. He spirals out of control, damaging his reputation and ruining his career.

Penney makes a bold decision and creates a new persona: lawyer lifeguard. He moonlights at the beach, showing up to court in flip-flops, and mentoring a law student.

When Penney is accused of murder, he decides to defend himself. I loved the small town feel of this book and thought the characters were outstanding.

The highly anticipated legal thriller (to be released in March 2024) has surprised me by earning an unexpected 5-star rating. Mark my words, I never, ever expected to give such praise for a James Patterson novel. An exhilarating ride that kept me on the edge of my seat, the book's fast-paced storyline and captivating characters, from Stafford Lee, Jenny, Mason, the Caros, to Rue and Joey, are lauded for delivering unexpected twists and turns at every corner.

At the heart of the narrative lies Stafford Lee Penney, Biloxi's most renowned criminal defense attorney known for his unbeatable track record in the courtroom. However, Penney's world is turned upside down when his wife is tragically murdered, and he finds himself suddenly thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspect: America's #1 lawyer becomes its #1 suspect. As Penney's personal and professional life unravels, he embarks on a daring transformation, shedding his lawyer persona to adopt a new identity as a lifeguard. Embracing a laid-back lifestyle, complete with flip-flops and beachside mentoring sessions, Penney's unconventional approach to his defense sets the stage for an electrifying courtroom battle. As the stakes escalate, readers are drawn into a gripping tale of legal maneuvering and personal redemption. With the odds stacked against him, Penney's determination to clear his name and uncover the truth will keep readers enthralled until the final page.

Simply brilliant!

Great read a departure from Patterson and Allen as they take on a flawed lawyer and a cast of characters with little redeeming features but the reader is swept along and you can't wait to see where it is going. This could be another series in a long line of great stories from two terrific authors. Twists and turns abound until the final conclusion it will not disappoint.. Book clubs will engage in discussions as so many topics are introduced during this read.

Biloxi’s best criminal defense attorney has never lost a case. Then his client’s beautiful wife is murdered, and America’s #1 lawyer suddenly becomes its #1 suspect. Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big-time reputation for winning every case he tries. In his sharp suits and polished Oxford shoes, Penney is Biloxi, Mississippi’s #1 Lawyer and top local celebrity. Just as Penney notches his latest courtroom victory, his wife is scandalously killed. He spirals into a legal and personal losing streak, damaging his reputation and ruining his career! I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I'm not usually into legal type genres but this book was really good! The storyline was very interesting and kept me glued to my kindle! I definitely recommend reading this book as it was well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

This book was another wonderful James Patterson book! I love the easy flow of his writing. This one had some unexpected twists and the ending held a great surprise. Patterson never disappoints!.