Justice burning by Scott Prat.
Darren Street Book 2.
Former defense attorney Darren Street is desperately trying to put his life back together after spending two years in a maximum-security prison for a murder he didn’t commit. He’s rebuilding his law practice, reconnecting with his son, and falling more deeply in love with his girlfriend, fellow attorney Grace Alexander. But the past casts a long shadow, and for Street, there’s no outrunning it.Tormented by nightmares and violent mood swings, Street is seeking treatment for PTSD when a new trauma shakes his world: his mother is killed in an explosion, but the police believe Street was the intended target. Payback from an old enemy, or the calling card of a deadly new foe? Whoever’s behind it, Street begins to lose his grip on reality and decides to take matters in his own hands. And the law won’t stop him from revenge. Justice has a new name: Darren Street.
A brilliant read. Great story and characters. I loved Darren. Reminds me of Arnie. Can't wait for next book. 5*.

I've enjoyed Scott Pratt books before but I didn't care for this one. The main character is set on revenge and delivering "justice" by killing those he determines need killing. While understanding his hate, I just gotten get behind a killer, no matter their reason.

I started this book only to decide I needed to know how Darren got to be at this point in his life, so I read Justice Redeemed first - I don't think you can appreciate this book without reading that one. I like this author's storytelling, it is fast paced, twisting and doesn't have a boring character in the group.

Darren Street was wrongly accused of murder and now is struggling through life trying to handle the constant challenge of overcoming the rage he feels for various events. His solution is not always the best but it solved the conflict in his mind. Darren is a runaway train headed for a wreck. I can't say I like this Darren, but I am interested to see what he becomes in future installments.

Exciting, well plotted and compelling but I far prefer the Joe Dillard series. He is a far better rounded and it has to be said sympathetic character.

Maybe Darren Street will grow on me but he is pretty unsettling.

Gritty but recommended.

Scott Pratt's 2nd book for me and it was hard to put down. The title is apt for the content as Darren Street follows a path of almost self destruction as his past catches up with him and his family and he is forced into using methods far removed from any normal legal or lawful route. The storyline is fast moving and you wonder where it will lead and also whether Darren can survive the carnage intact. I and many others will look forward to the 3rd book to see where Scott Pratt then takes Darren Street character. A very good read which absorbed me and afterwards left me seeking the next chapter in Darren Street's life. - Eddy Weatherill

A very well written enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more of Scott's books.

A few years back, I read An Innocent Client by Scott Pratt, the first in the Joe Dillard series of legal thriller/mysteries. I haven’t read all eight titles in that series, but all the ones I have read were crisp, entertaining, and fun reads. So I was happy to get an advance copy of Justice Burning, a new title by Scott Pratt featuring new attorney Darren Street, from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

So (spoiler alert) I REALLY liked this book! The characters were vivid, the legal/criminal stuff was interesting, and I just kept reading til it was gone. BUT it turns out this is #2 in the Darren Street series (I must have been asleep or whatever, but I missed the first one, Justice Redeemed.

So Darren Street, Like Scott Pratt, in a previous lifetime, is an attorney in Tennessee. I’m not sure how much else they have in common, but Darren has recently had his law license reinstated after escaping from a maximum security prison where he spent two years for a crime he didn’t commit. In Justice Burning, he seems to be the target for unknown bad guys, who may or may not have something to do with things that went down in prison. Along the way, he suffers from PTSD, tries to deal with his ex-wife and son, loses a family member, and resolves to see justice (as he defines it) done.

As is my habit, I don’t do spoilers, so there’s not much I can say about the plot except that it was terrific fun. While reading it, there were several instances of me nearly shouting “NO!” and “OH!” and “AARRGGHH” to the point where my husband, ensconced in his recliner located right next to mine, grew a bit tired of asking “what’s wrong?” In the end, he decided he HAS to read this book!

I told him he really should read Justice Redeemed first…while Justice Burning stands alone just fine, there were some situations that had backstory in the first novel that I think might have been even more impactful if I had read the prior book first.

Either way, this one is highly recommended for those who like legal mystery/thrillers, smart down-to-earth protagonists who might sometimes bend the rules but still maintain their own moral compass, and a fast-moving plot with violence but not gore. Five stars.

I received a copy of Justice Burning from Net Galley and as always, Scott hit another grand slam. Darren has really been through many obstacles since being falsely accused by Ben Clancey and sent to prison. He met some shady, although powerful people inside, but Big Pappy was the Numero uno and the key to his release. Now, being in a very dark place in his life, he reaches out to Big Pappy for help and his world spins out of control. What happens because of this union is explosive. Can Darren control his rage or will he go to the Dark Side? A must read for all Darren Street

Darren Street is trying to build his life back after all that has happened in the past. Can he let it all go and get on with the here and now. While Darren is having a lovely evening with his girl friend, Grace and asking her to marry him, his mother is being blown up in her home. It takes no time at all to figure out that the explosion was meant for him. How ill he get all of this behind him so he can move on with his life? Read the story to see how he handles all of this and what the results are to the rest of his life by his decisions.

Justice burning is not the type of book I normally choose, but something about the book caught my attention and sometimes it is good to move out of the box. It's a good book. For me, not an amazing book, but I'm sure other people will rate it higher than I did. The book focuses on an Attorney, Darren Street, who had been framed for a murder he had not commited. The book takes place after he had been able to prove his innocence with the help of Grace, an attorney and his current girlfriend. All is well in the beginning of the book. Until... a horrible crime is committed, meant to kill him but instead, they killed someone else and Darren's life shatters. In many ways, he shatters with it and becomes, for a while, a completely different man. Someone he was not before. Will he be able to pull his life back together? You will have to read the book to find out. Scott Pratt did a great job telling this story, making his characters come to life.

First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Scott Pratt, and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.

I have always loved Scott Pratt's work, as he is able to get to the core of the issue while entertaining those who love a good legal story. Returning to add a second novel in this new series, Pratt reminds readers of Darren Street, who has been out of jail for two years. Falsely convicted after being framed by a vindictive D.A., Street found himself in the depths of despair while fighting for his freedom. During his incarceration, he encountered a man who sought to kill him, but who had the tables turned. Now, with Street free and back in Knoxville, retribution is on its way. Street learns that his mother's home is targeted and destroyed by a massive explosion, killing her and leaving only a pile of smouldering ash. Street focuses the hated he has for the perpetrators and chases them down, killing them in a bar in West Virginia. However, Street does his best to cover his tracks, not wanting to serve any time. With this taste for revenge, Street turns his sights on some other miscreants who have done him harm and has them expunged. While he remains one step ahead of the authorities, his luck can only last so long. His son is pulled from his life, a new fiancée begins to wonder about his sincerity, and Street finds himself unable to ignore the devil on his shoulder. Every decision must be masterfully timed, but even the most wily criminals slip up, especially when they have help with their crimes. When will Street make that glaring error or push someone to rat him out? Pratt shows that he can keep readers hooked without all the fancy legalese in this novel that excels without trying to do so. Perfect for fans of legal and crime thrillers that seek to tackle the gritty rather than the silky side of the law.

Scott Pratt has proved himself to be a master in his own right. Seeking to get to the heart of the story, he offers up a wonderful cast of characters. Full of flaws, these men and women show off their true colours and allow the reader to relate. Struggles with love, life, and compassion come to the surface, while that evil vigilante spirit with whom everyone struggles emerges throughout the story. From there, a plot that feeds off the first novel and flourishes again here, Pratt does not seek to layer the narrative with high brow legal discussion, but rather a more realistic element. The 'Clever Felon' tactic serves this novel well, leaving the reader to potentially cheer for evading the authorities. However, one cannot completely condone the behaviour, especially as Street seems to be fuelled by his need to set things right in his own mind. Quick-paced, the story gains momentum in the early chapters and does not let go until the very end, using cliffhanging moments or ideas to push things forward. Chapters that flow easily through the reader's fingers turns a quick reading session into hours of pure enjoyment. Pratt continues to show his fan base that they have chosen well in turning to him for their thriller fix.

Kudos, Mr. Pratt for another stellar piece of work. I thoroughly enjoy whenever I learn you have been hard at work and hope many others share my eagerness for whatever you publish.

Very interesting story and thoroughly enjoyable book. Definitely recommended.

Scott Pratt continues to deliver. This continuation of the Darren Street series does not disappoint. I suggest the reader go read the previous book Justice Redeemed first. Once I started reading I had to keep going whenever I had a free minute. I don't normally read on my iPhone but felt compelled to do so here.
After reading these two books I highly recommend you then go read all 8 of his Joe Dillard series. You can thank me later.