in Murder Thrillers
Book 7 A Rain City Legal
Book Blurb:
Seattle attorney Dan Raine is hired by an old friend, Judge Michael Hawkins, to help with a delicate family matter. Hawkins’s son has been romancing Lydia Szabo, the daughter of a local crime lord, and now owes her brother a large sum of money.
The Szabo family is using this debt to blackmail the judge into a favorable verdict on an upcoming case. Raine’s job is to scare them off by digging up some serious dirt on their criminal empire. But before he can do it, Lydia is murdered and Judge Hawkins is found standing over her body, a smoking gun in his hand.
Despite overwhelming evidence, Raine believes Hawkins’s claim that he is innocent and throws himself into finding the real killer. His investigation leads him deep into the Szabos’ organization, where human trafficking, corrupt cops, and deadly secrets lurk around every corner.
But the closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous the game becomes. And when the real killer is finally revealed, Raine discovers that the deadliest betrayals are the ones you don’t see coming.
My Review:
Not our first experience with this author and, of course, we enjoy the Seattle location of the novel. My motobuddy always called it the “great Northwet” and heaven knows the protagonist as well as the series is named well with an average annual rainfall in the area of 37-39 inches per year.
In this installment, attorney Dan Raine has been retained by an old friend, a judge, who appears to have a sticky wicket with the apparent death of his son’s girlfriend in his upstairs study. Unfortunately, his son’s girlfriend is part of a large local crime family thought to run a number of deadly secrets.
An experienced attorney himself, the author knows his way around the legal system and courtroom procedure, and his main character reflects that expertise. In his years of practice, the MC has also accumulated a number of valuable contacts, a few of whom are happy to return a favor when requested. He is also friends with a bail bondsman with deep pockets and a clever way of negotiation.
The courtroom drama puts you square in the jury box, the legalese explained, and the maneuvering suspenseful. Raine comes off as an intelligent and competent attorney as well as investigator. His moral compass both in and out of the courtroom is held in high regard.
I thought we had a solid verdict and conclusion when the author threw a gotcha at the end I didn’t see coming and almost had to chuckle.
Okay, that was a good one. If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, this one is for you. The CE read two of the installments in this series, the last one being Body of Evidence and loved it. Even if you aren’t, there are always enlightening moments and the plot and pace are programmed to keep your interest in moving pages. It can be read as a standalone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. The thoughts expressed here are my own.
Rosepoint Rating: Four point Five Stars 
Book Details:
Genre: Legal Thrillers, Murder, Murder Thrillers
Publisher: Inkubator Books
ISBN: 978-1837566495
ASIN: B0FYHGK6TV
Print Length: 246 pages
Publication Date: November 16, 2025 – Just Released!
Source: Publisher and NetGalley
Title Link(s):
Amazon-US | Amazon-UK
The Author: Stephen Penner is an author, artist, and attorney from Seattle, Washington. He has written more than 30 novels and specializes in courtroom thrillers known for their unexpected twists and candid portrayal of the justice system. He draws on his extensive experience as a criminal trial attorney to infuse his writing with realism and insight.
Stephen is the bestselling author of several top-rated legal thriller series. The RAIN CITY LEGAL THRILLERS deliver the adventures of Seattle attorney Daniel Raine and his unlikely partner Rebecca Sommers. The DAVID BRUNELLE LEGAL THRILLERS feature Seattle homicide D.A. David Brunelle and a recurring cast of cops, defense attorneys, and forensic experts. And the TALON WINTER LEGAL THRILLERS showcase tough-as-nails Tacoma criminal defense attorney Talon Winter and her closest allies. Stephen is also the author of the MAGGIE DEVEREAUX PARANORMAL MYSTERIES, recounting the exploits of an American graduate student in the magical Highlands of Scotland, and several other stand-alone works.
In his spare time, Stephen enjoys painting, drawing, and spending time with his family.
©2025 V Williams
This is a very interesting book and is engaging and interesting. I can thoroughly recommend to any who enjoy a solid legal thriller! 5 stars – CE Williams
Stephen Penner has put together a provocative tale of avarice and intrigue in the commercial business of art. The teacher and her students are simply trying to be recognized and possibly sell a painting but it can be a world of deception and treachery. I recommend this well-written story with a twist I did not see coming. 4 stars – CE Williams
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