Johnson's newest legal suspense novel is intriguing and thoughtful. Ian Wells is a likeable character who is in way over his head and cannot find his way out of the deepening mystery he finds himself in. Johnson knows just when to release more information in the story line to keep readers hooked in, and adds layers to the mystery surrounding Ian's family that keep readers thinking the whole way through. Smart and suspenseful, Fatal Trust is sure to please mystery fans across the board.

Did not finish. I tried to read it three times and couldn't get past the third chapter without falling asleep. I can only assume it's not my style.

Oh my goodness, I will definitely be on the lookout for more from Todd Johnson. Fatal Trust is the first book I have read of Johnson's but it isn't his first. He's also written The Deposit Slip and Critical Reaction. He's an experienced attorney and it shows in his writing. The plot of Fatal Trust was complex and took me on a very tense journey.

Ian Wells is the main character and he's easy to relate to. He finds himself in between a rock and a hard place when a too good to be true solution comes along. Everything in him is telling him to not take the case but instead of listening to his better judgement he does it anyway.

The story is completely absorbing because all of us can put ourselves in his shoes. We've all done something we knew we shouldn't but we did it anyway and then we're left to face the consequences. The wonderful part is that there is a God in heaven who chooses to shower us in mercy. In Ian's case it involves his long-time friend Brook.

The exciting part for me is that according to a Q&A with the author the ending of Fatal Trust corresponds with his previous book The Deposit Slip. You can bet I'm going to go download that to my Kindle. Plus he's in the process of writing another book that will round out the series and tie all the loose ends of these two books together. Now that's something to look forward to!

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson tells the story of criminal defense attorney Ian Wells. When he is called to take a case about an estate, he is intrigued since it is not his specialty. He soon finds criminal links in what he thought was a straightforward case. And the dangerous case leads much closer to home than he could have ever imagined. I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of legal thrillers and fans of family mysteries. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Murder, suspense, and mystery all wrapped into one great story. I felt that Ian, the main character was at times a little naive for a lawyer but his honesty and good heart stood out. With all the characters, at times I was a little confused but I really enjoyed the book. Recommend!

I first came across this book in a monthly Bethany House email. I was distraught and torn because I literally want every single book in that monthly email. Seriously, it's almost impossible to chose. But I found my loophole. I prayerfully pick one and then request the remainders from NetGalley and cross my toes that I get approved for the whole kit and caboodle. Which, as you can tell because you are reading a review right now, that I was approved! The fact that this was a legal mystery/thriller was right up my alley. The fact that it was from a Christian publishing house was like free coffee. Just a disclaimer, while this book is from a Christian publishing house it is not necessarily a Christian book. Outside of a couple of verses from 'Amazing Grace' there were no other faith elements. However, it is a clean book with no language, sexual scenarios and lacked overt violence.

I was excited to dig into the story of Ian, and the backstory he uncovered with this mysterious trust. Let me get the not so positive things out of the way before I tell you why I actually really liked this book. There were entirely too many characters! OK, there probably really weren't but for someone who struggles with names (seriously, I'd probably never remember my name but for the fact I've had it way too many decades!) I was frequently confused. I came so close to grabbing a notebook to write all these people down so I could remember who was who and what they did both past and present. I almost felt like the intensity wasn't as intense as I had hoped but I'm starting to think that it's just me. Almost like I'm looking for something that was there but I didn't connect with it. That I will not hold aganist this amazing story.

This book, on the positive side, had all the good stuff I look for in a mystery and/or thriller. Characters that that drew me into their conflict, a mystery that I couldn't figure out (this one really did well) OK yes I did figure out a few things but not in a way that in any way detracted from the story but actually helped it. My gravy there was one (there were several all told) bombshell that actually took me by surprise. The rest were figured out with story flow the way they should have been. I LOVE a mystery that I haven't already picked only partway into the book. Johnson gave me that so... This book really does flow well, has engage-able characters, and takes the reader on a pretty good roller coaster ride.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

Fatal Trust

by Todd M. Johnson

Bethany House

Bethany House Publishers



Christian

Pub Date 01 Aug 2017

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy of Fatal Trust through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:

Ian Wells is a young criminal defense attorney, struggling to build the Minneapolis law practice he inherited from his Father while caring for his Mother who has Alzheimer's. Just as he feels he is about to hit his breaking point Ian is offered a simple case, a case which he is called to determined if three men qualify for over a nine million dollar trust fund.

Ian accepts the job and soon finds himself dragged into a mystery linking the trust with a decades old criminal enterprise and the greatest art theft in Minnesota history. As stolen money from the art theft surfaces Ian finds himself being looked at as a suspect by Brook Daniels, a criminal prosecutor as well as his best friend?

Wil they be able to solve this decades old crime?

Find out in Fatal Trust

Five out of five stars

Happy Reading!

I really enjoyed this book. I love suspense. I watch lots of crime shows. I love action. This book had it all and was placed in my home city, to boot. It was fun reading about places and suburbs and streets I know.

Ian’s week started out pretty bleak and it got worse and worse and worse. Soon everything is imploding around him and he wonders if he’ll make it out alive. There are several twists and turns that keep the tension high. When questions come up that only his mom with alzheimers can answer, things get even more difficult.

This is a hard book to put down. Things don’t let up but build in a steady, tense progression right up until the end. Johnson’s background as a lawyer shows in the authenticity of the book. I would highly recommend it.

Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a free e-copy of this book. I was not required to leave a review. All opinions are my own.

Ian Wells had absolutely no idea what he was getting into when he took over his father's law practice upon graduation. He didn't know what to think when a malpractice suit landed on his desk either. How in the world was he to ever have a successful practice when money was tight, this lawsuit against him, and dealing with a mother with Alzheimer's?

One day he gets a mysterious phone call and subsequent appointment about a potential client. This client is willing to pay a very large sum of money up front, as well as more at the conclusion of the case, providing certain conditions were met. Ian is overwhelmed, because this offer couldn't have come at a better time. Can he meet the client's demands for meting out the trust funds?

I was completely captivated by this book from the first line. I do struggle with flash back scenes so I was a little confused for awhile but it didn't take long to figure out the differences. (Truth be told, I hate books and movies with flashbacks!) This story unwound and weaved through various angles and just when I thought I had it figured out, I realized I didn't. The twists and turns throughout this novel will have you wanting to go back and reread passages to see what you missed!! I was thoroughly entertained by this story and was completely surprised by the ending. I love it when a great author, such as Todd Johnson, can weave a story to keep the reader on his or her toes!

I would recommend this book to those who love a great mystery, thriller, or action! I appreciate very much reading a book of this magnitude that does not include the language and unsavory actions that is read in mainstream media. I'm so thankful for great quality books from authors like Todd Johnson and publishers such as Bethany House to keep me reading books in this genre without all the garbage!!!

Many thanks to Bethany House and Todd Johnson for providing a complimentary copy for review. The thoughts you have read here are my own.

Todd M. Johnson brings us a great legal thriller in his third novel, FATAL TRUST. Mr. Johnson employs both dreams and flashbacks to create the backstory for the investigation in which Ian finds himself embroiled. Both the main and supporting characters are well developed, and the storyline moves along at break-neck speed. The plot takes so many unexpected twists and turns that the investigation is turning into a three-ring circus. FATAL TRUST is a story about regrets and secrets, but also about building relationships. I recommend this as a great summer read.

I would like to thank Bethany House and NetGalley for the opportunity to view this ARC.

Fatal Trust is abundant in mystery, suspense, action and a wee bit of romance. It is eye-splitting in gut-wrenching thrills and chills in this book - the characters are daring, dashing, cheeky, bewildering, embellishing and emotional. They bring out the best in each other. Ian is caught up in a corner mystery He took over his father's practice after his father's passing - he has made it from wills and trusts to criminal defense - now - you think the mystery and suspense all started when he took on a criminal case right:???? Wrong!!!! It was when he took on a trusts case - How do you get into a trust case since you have only criminal cases - awesome question - MoooolAAAAHhhh - Money - his Mother is deteriorating because of her Alzheimer's - so this case - the more he delves into it - the more dangerous it becomes for him - there is a trust, murder, theft, do I need to go on - because I could - I really could? There are so many bends and turns in this one - punches in the guts - like his parents have some secrets - some serious crap man - then more gut wrenching bends and bows - this poor guy - you have no idea - you will get thrills and chills - and along with all of this there is get this - the best part - romance -- yay - romance - maybe - with Brooke (she makes him feels safe) - you have to read and find out - will his Mom make it? what is that gut wrenching secret? Will he make it through alive? if he does what does he come out on the other side to? What all is going on here?

This was a good story, although I did predict a lot of the plot points. I do have to admit there were several, “I didn’t see that one coming” moments as well. It moved very well and the main characters were good, especially Brook.

Ian Wells was interesting and sometimes a little naive, but I liked him. As the situation grew more dangerous he found his inner strength to get through the tough times.

The story itself was good. There was a good amount of action and mystery concerning who was behind everything. I enjoyed that aspect of it a great deal. The one thing that did bother me is there was nothing in the book to really call it “Christian” fiction. One character sings Amazing Grace and Martha went to church until she got sick. Beyond that and the fact there is no swearing or sex scenes there’s nothing to distinguish it from any other book.

I’d definitely read this author again.

Disclaimer: I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, I was not required to give a review and the opinions here are my own.

Fatal Trust was my first book written by Todd M. Johnson, and he is an author I will be adding to my list of favorite authors. Ian Wells inherited his father's estates and trust law firm, but he decided to transform it into a criminal practice. However, an unbelievable financial offer to settle one final estate forces Ian into a mystery filled with danger that changes his life and of the ones he loves. Get ready for a page turner with its plot twists and turns, and it would be recommended for anyone who loves a procedural legal thriller.

This legal thriller was another outstanding work by one of my favorite authors. In my opinion Todd Johnson doesn;t write near often enough.
Written in an engaging manner, with warm and enjoyable characters this book keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end with plenty of twists and surprises that you will not be able to figure them all out!
I absolutely devoured this book in one day, it was that good!

I would tend to classify this book as a clean mystery rather than Christian fiction. After finishing reading Fatal Trust, no particular Christian message came to mind. As a clean mystery, it was superb. I could not help but feel Ian Well’s anxiety as his life quickly became a train wreck. His mother is slipping further away due to Alzheimer’s. The law practice he joined following his father’s death is falling further and further into debt. The case that seemed like would pay the bills may involve an armed robbery and murder cold case, and might also incriminate his parents. To say Ian was in over his head would be an understatement, and his only life preserver might be his long-time friend Brook Daniels, an attorney with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Would Brooke be willing to put her job, her career, on the line for him?
Fatal Trust is a fast-moving, action-packed story. Johnson holds his readers’ emotions in the palm of his hand from start to finish. He masterfully times the revelation of new information, often startling his readers and misdirecting them. Fans of legal stories and mystery fiction will likely love Fatal Trust. I was happy to find that I already have another book by Todd M. Johnson on my bookshelf. I extend my thanks to NetGalley and Bethany House for providing me a copy of Fatal Trust in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation for providing this review.

What an action packed booked. I really enjoyed it. I am drawn to the mystery/thriller gene of books and especially any having to do with the financial area. The fast paced action kept the story moving. I had to stop and catch my breath a few times.

And I must admit that I was not prepared for some of the twists and turns. While I was not super fond of the main character, I did sympathize with him. By the end of the book he did have a lot to absorb about his family.

I think of Todd Johnson as a Christian writer but in this instance there were no Christian aspects to the book. It was, however, a book without bad language or sexual scenes. So it is a book I can recommend to my Christian friends.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

When Ian Wells lands a mysterious trust case with a seemingly easy workload that will relieve his financial burdens, he hesitates to take it. Why would someone pay him so much money just to do a background check on three individuals?

But he needs the money to help his mother who has Alzheimer’s, to fight a frivolous malpractice suit against his father’s law practice, and to provide a buffer as he transitions his practice from trusts and estates to criminal defense.

Once he decides to take the case he quickly questions his decision because one strange thing after another starts to happen. His mother gives him a box with a gun. His client wants to transfer 9 million dollars to his bank account in the middle of the night.

The book builds slowly, but by the time Ian has four days left to finish his task, I couldn’t put the book down. A great suspense book that forces readers to think about their relationships, honesty, and hiding the mistakes of the fathers from the children in an attempt to shelter them. Maybe some secrets need to see the light of day.

I love a good suspense story which threatens the characters' well-being whether it is death or hunting for a clue to some mystery that they find themselves in. I have never read anything by Todd M. Johnson, but the synopsis for his newest release Fatal Trust sounded right up my alley, so I gave it a try.
From the first chapter, I had a hard time getting into the concept of the novel because Johnson introduced so many characters and plot lines that I was confused for the first couple of chapters, but then Johnson started to focus on one character, Ian, and the story started to flow a lot better. The story does hop around from a number of perspectives, but luckily, he does switch chapters every time he does.
The writing is clear. I had no problem visualizing the numerous settings or the characters as they roamed around this world. Johnson did a good job at creating a story that kept my attention.
The characters Johnson created were invested in the issue and wanted to solve the task set before them. Ian is a determined lawyer who wants to leave his father's shadow and make a name for himself. This new case for me might just be the thing. Unfortunately, the case has twists and turn to make a good suspense that kept me on my toes. Ian doesn't change throughout the novel. He works on solving the case and loves his mother. At the end, he is the same character, maybe a little wiser with his experience, but nothing else.
The plot is completely different than anything I have ever seen with a suspense novel, which I enjoyed immensely. Johnson knew how to keep his characters guessing as much as the audience. The novel kept moving at a fast pace, and I finished it in one day. I did have a problem with the ending. The story had the fill of something huge coming at the end. Johnson led me there and started to show something big, but then he dropped it and had the characters at a hospital and summed up the conclusion. A little disappointing for me.
Overall, Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson starts and finishes not to my taste, but the middle was well-written and held onto my attention. Don't ignore the novel. It is completely different and worth your time if you like mellow suspense novels.
I received a complimentary copy of Fatal Trust by Todd M. Johnson from Bethany House Publishers, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Fatal Trust lives up to its title! So many twists and turns, shocks and surprises, I felt I could barely catch my breath before Johnson dropped the next breadcrumb...more like a Molotov Cocktail! Great characters, complex mystery, and authentic legal bits fill Fatal Trust to the brim.

After reading this one, it's my opinion that Grisham had better watch out, because there's a new star in the galaxy of legal thrillers, and his name is Todd M. Johnson.