Book Description
Russell Palmer, a young New York City attorney, is well-known for taking on unusual and high-risk cases alongside his private detective associate, Robbie Whyte. When the wealthy and alluring Christina Franco approaches him to represent her during divorce proceedings, he finds her story impossible to resist.
As Christina recounts the abuse she has suffered, Palmer’s protective instincts kick in. His interest deepens when she mentions a dangerous associate of her husband—someone Palmer has clashed with before.
Soon, a series of events begins to unfold that may or may not be related to Christina and her influential family. There is the apparent suicide of a prominent lawyer. That is followed by a murder for which another of Palmer’s clients is charged. Then, a federal investigation into a major pharmaceutical company is tied to Christina’s husband.
As Palmer and Whyte work to solve an increasingly complex puzzle, they follow a trail that leads them from New York’s underground to the rarified world of the ultra-rich—and even into the halls of Congress. Along the way they encounter a cast of intriguing individuals, including Christina’s parents—an influential politician and his reclusive wife; an attractive journalist with a personal interest in Palmer; and a number of others populating their client’s world.
As they peel back layers of deceit and corruption at every turn, Palmer and Whyte must navigate a treacherous path to protect their clients—and themselves—while ensuring that justice, in all its forms, prevails.
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My Book Review
RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars
ILLUSIONS OF TRUST by Jeffrey S. Stephens is a twisted and engrossing legal/political thriller featuring an unusual New York City attorney and his private detective partner. This novel moves between the rich and powerful of Manhattan and Washington D.C. to a connected criminal boss and disposable criminals. This is a standalone novel that was difficult to put down.
New York City attorney Russel Palmer believes in justice for all and is known for taking on unusual cases from all strata of society with or without the ability to pay. Palmer is idealistic, a brilliant lawyer, naïve in his relationships with women, and a germaphobe. His partner, private detective Robbie Whyte is a tough retired NYC detective and like a father figure to Palmer. Palmer’s private practice is rounded out with Maurine, his secretary/office manager who is the sometime needed conscience of the group.
Palmer rarely takes on divorce cases, but when wealthy and alluring Christina Franco shows up with a story of abuse and threat, Palmer takes her case against Whyte’s warnings. Palmer gets pulled into a web of seemingly unrelated government subpoenas, illegal corporate maneuverings, murder, and underworld ties he as digs into this seemingly straight forward divorce case. Palmer and Whyte dive into trying to bring all the information into order, but everyone in this case seems to be keeping secrets and the lies are flowing.
I found this book very compelling with memorable characters and an intricate criminal legal plot with twists and lies abounding from the ultra-rich of Manhattan, corporate manipulation and corruption, and the connected and disposable in the NY criminal underworld. Palmer and Whyte are wonderful protagonists individually and perfect together as a powerhouse team. This story is very investigative leaning, rather than courtroom legal drama which I really enjoyed. I would love to see this book become a series because I want more of these characters and was sorry when the book ended.
I highly recommend this engaging legal/political thriller!
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About the Author
A native New Yorker, now living in Connecticut, Jeffrey Stephens is the author of the Jordan Sandor thrillers, TARGETS OF DECEPTION, TARGETS OF OPPORTUNITY, TARGETS OF REVENGE and ROGUE MISSION; the murder mystery CRIMES AND PASSION; the international treasure hunt FOOL’S ERRAND; the Nick Reagan espionage adventures THE HANDLER and ENEMIES AMONG US; and the first book in his new legal thriller series, ILLUSIONS OF TRUST.
Social Media Links
Website: https://jeffreystephens.com/
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BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/illusions-of-trust-by-jeffrey-s-stephens
