Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan – a #BookReview

Title: Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan

Genre: Thriller and Suspense, Assassinations

Publication Date: December 19, 2018

Print Length: 420 pages

ASIN: B07L5GLJQ1

Source: Direct Author Request

Title and Cover: Killer Lawyer – Series cover

Book Blurb:

Attorney by day, assassin by night. Jake Wolfe is a young lawyer who leads a secret life. Trained by the CIA, he now wants peace and quiet, practicing law and living on a boat with his war dog. But when his city is shocked by a serial killer and he’s framed for the murder of a friend, Jake must race against time to find the killer before he strikes again.

Drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse; at every step Jake and his loved ones are being hunted by the clever, twisted madman. As the city is gripped in fear of the seemingly random shootings that could strike anybody, Jake investigates and uncovers ominous clues until a shocking reversal of fortune changes everything.

With the clock ticking and lives at stake, will Jake be able to find and stop the killer in time, or will he become the next victim?

Buckle up for a wild ride as Jake Wolfe and his exceptionally intelligent dog, Cody, return to action in this page-turning thriller in Mark Nolan’s bestselling series that has earned thousands of 5-star ratings on Amazon and Goodreads.

 My Review:

Jake Wolfe is back and even more empowered by having begun his legal practice. He has business cards now! He’s a highly trained ex-Marine who progressed to working with the CIA in special ops. He still gets a call from time to time to quietly help the government with occasional sticky wickets. Jake lives with Cody on the Far Niente, a Horizon PC60 ’60 dual engine yacht, courtesy of his wealthy buddy still overseas. He would like to live quietly with his adopted K-9 ex-war dog, golden retriever/lab (and possible Irish Terrier?) mix from a former Marine buddy, and continue to grow his relationship with Sarah, the veterinarian, but he continues to get “the call,” which usually involve … distractions.

This time a serial killer hits way too close to home when his sweet senior neighbor is the next victim. The murders are so random, however, that law enforcement is having a problem getting a handle on it or any kind of forensics.

My third book in the series, I fell in love with Cody the first book of the series. Crazy intelligent and well-trained, the ex-Marine K-9 has not been able to stifle his training and war experiences and is a constant amazing companion to Jake.  Many of Jake’s friends are his ex-military buddies, including best buddy police detective Terrell. He has a network of law enforcement officials including Beth Cushman of the homicide division, some of whom are not so enthused with his tactics. Jake is bad-ass as they come and given his background and experience can be a bit of a rogue and difficult to keep in line. His naturally protective and honorable side shows up rather frequently, however, befriending those he comes in casual contact with.

The multi-plotted and complex storyline dispenses a multitude of fascinating details about his bay area location, dropping little tidbits of science, technology, and forensics. The loyalty and love between those who served, particularly in combat situations, and a canine and his handler are highly emotional and engaging. The dog is intuitive, yes, and so full of personality you want to drop and hug tightly around his furry neck–a complete no-no with any service animal. I love the interchanges between Jake and Cody and the dialogue generally is natural whether between man and dog or those with whom Jake connects. The POV changes occasionally and puts you in the head of the antagonist. The antagonist drips evil and must be stopped!

There is non-stop action, from benign scene to violent, and blood pressure-raising chapters full of tension and intrigue that continue to edge toward a brilliant and satisfying conclusion. This one doesn’t give you time to catch your breath. Yes, you could no doubt read book 3 as a standalone, but then you’d want to go back and catch Cody’s (uh, Jake’s) exploits in books 1 and 2 anyway. I continue to wonder at the age of a man of this experience and expertise, and I’m looking forward to his commitment to Sarah (she really needs one right now!!), and Cody…are puppies in the future?

I received an ebook download from the author for an honest review and totally appreciated the opportunity to read another in the series. Looking forward to book 4! Recommended to any who love non-stop action and suspense in your thriller. I did not receive any remuneration for my opinions.

Rosepoint Publishing:  Four point Five of Five Stars

The Author:

Mark Nolan is the author of Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie, the sequel titled Vigilante Assassin, and book 3 in the series: Killer Lawyer. He’s currently writing book 4. Mark also tries to make time every day to answer emails from readers. You can reach him and subscribe to his newsletter at marknolan.com

©2019 V Williams