I've found I can't lose with a James Patterson book. This one is co-authored by Nancy Allen and is a tense, gripping legal drama - reminded me much of a John Grisham novel, it's that good.

Description:
Move over, John Grisham! Here’s the fastest, sharpest legal thriller in years. Biloxi’s best criminal defense attorney becomes the nation’s prime suspect when his wife is murdered. He’s never lost a case, but can he win when he’s presumed guilty?

Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big-time reputation for winning every case he tries. In his sharp suits and polished Oxford shoes, Penney is Biloxi, Mississippi’s #1 Lawyer and top local celebrity.

Just as Penney notches his latest courtroom victory, his wife is scandalously killed. He spirals into a legal and personal losing streak, damaging his reputation and ruining his career.

That’s when Penney makes a bold decision. He stops trading on his power-lawyer identity and creates a new lawyer lifeguard. Moonlighting at the beach, showing up to court in flip-flops, mentoring a law student, the new Penney is at first unrecognizable.

It’s said that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. But when Penney’s accused of murder, the #1 Lawyer will find a way to triumph.

My Thoughts:
This is a truly great legal thriller with dramatic courtroom scenes and lots of avenues to pursue. Stafford Lee is a fascinating protagonist, but he has his flaws and as the story moves along this becomes personal and then he ends up getting charged with a murder. And wow! He decides to represent himself at trial? No attorney would do that would they? My eyes were glued to page and I raced through this fast-paced, exciting book. Then the ending was totally unexpected! I highly recommend this to anyone who likes legal drama. I hope this becomes a series as I would like more of Stafford Lee. James Patterson is an exceptional story teller.

Thanks to Little, Brown and Company through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication on March 18, 2024.

Payback can be a you-know-what. Nobody knows that better than hotshot Mississippi defense attorney Stafford Lee Penney, when he finds himself on the receiving end after his latest courtroom win that means a suspected murderer walks out a free man. Shortly thereafter, he becomes the primary suspect in the murder of his estranged wife Carrie Ann and the man found beside her in her bed, and he has a new client to save - himself. But if he didn't do it, who did?

Finding out is a monumental undertaking that's fraught with danger, but Stafford Lee has a great team to help him including his lawyer friend Mason Burnett and investigator Jenny Glaser. But first, he's got to get his own act together; devastated by Carrie Ann's death, his work ethic and personal life take a nosedive all the way to the beach, where he's forced to take a job as a lifeguard just to make ends meet. Along that path, he finds a law student named Rue, who's the sister of one of his former clients; she interns at his office and crashes at his place at night.

As the investigation progresses, several anomalies turn up as part of the police investigation of Carrie Ann's murder. Stafford Lee and his cohorts are threatened (and worse), and then another person related to Stafford Lee's original case turns up dead. Forget Carrie Ann, the police say, claiming they have an abundance of evidence to prove Stafford Lee is the culprit in the more recent murder. He's arrested, charged and hauled into court for what will be the trial of his life.

Despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Stafford Lee, of course, doesn't buy his own guilt - nor do his office colleagues. So the race is on to at the very least find evidence that will give the jury reasonable doubt. Doing that means pretty much nonstop action, with at least one gobsmacking surprise along the way. Definitely a fun read, and I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review a pre-release copy.

Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big reputation for being unstoppable in court. He wins every case he tries, but also represents some scum. After trying a case that proved to be almost too much to handle, he finds himself caught up in the judicial world-but on the wrong side. Penney shifted from top lawyer-to top suspect-in the crime of murder. Of his own wife.

After the dust settles from being the number one suspect, Penney decides to trade his suit for some flip-flops and become a lifeguard on the side. He starts to create a new identity-moonlighting at the beach, drinking himself into alcoholism, and mentoring a law student that's the sister of one of his clients. He is not who he once was, and everyone around him notices.

Somehow, Penney gets wrapped up into another criminal case when his former client's wife is murdered. One of those closest to him gets wrangled into the case-and so does Penney. Will he be able to fight for their life and make it out to see the other side? It's hard to be on the other side of the law.

As all James Patterson books are-this was no different-it was awesome. You root for Penney to turn his life around and start doing something good with his life. You want to see him represent the good guys-and eventually he has to. By representing himself. I would definitely recommend this to anyone that loves crime/courtroom drama thrillers.

Stafford Lee Penney is the #1 lawyer in Biloxi, MS. He’s never lost a case. His current case involves a doctor accused of murder. The doctor’s father is associated with the Dixie Mafia and expects Stafford Lee to win the case. Or else. Stafford Lee will be glad when this case is over. When his estranged wife is found murdered in their bed with another man, Stafford Lee goes on a downhill spiral. When the doctor’s wife is found murdered, somehow the evidence leads to Stafford Lee, and he’s accused of the crime. His friends Jenny, a PI, and Mason, a lawyer, attempt to uncover evidence to prove Stafford Lee’s innocence. Will they succeed?

A fast-paced legal thriller with twists and turns, tragedy, and a surprise I didn’t see coming at the end.

Another great Patterson thriller! When the number 1 lawyer in Mississippi finds himself in the middle of the trial of the century will he be able to prove his innocence? A fast paced twisted story with thrills around every corner. An ending you think you expect that turns you on your head!

There is a fresh voice in southern legal thrillers. James Patterson and Nancy Allen's "The #1 Lawyer" hits all the right notes with its gripping narrative centered around Stafford Lee Penney, a formidable defense attorney in Biloxi. The story launches with Penney defending a renowned OB/GYN accused of a heinous crime, but the stakes skyrocket when Penney himself becomes a suspect in a chilling murder case. As the plot unfolds, readers are swept into a whirlwind of suspense and intrigue, rooting for Penney and his steadfast allies as they untangle a web of deception and danger. With its breakneck pace and deeply drawn characters, this novel is a captivating page-turner from start to finish. Patterson and Allen showcase their mastery once again, leaving readers eagerly awaiting Penney's next chapter. A heartfelt thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for delivering this electrifying read.

Stafford Lee Penney is on a winning streak. He hasn't lost a case and seems to be the darling of the towh. He is currently rerepsenting an OB/GYN accused of killing a woman who was his mistress. Things are even more dire when it comes out that she was pregnant with Dr. Caro's child. Stafford's personal life wasn't going all that well though. His wife seems to be of the impression that he is always lying. Turns out she had some skeletons lurking around in her closet as well. Jenny and Mason, his BFF's since childhood, are always trying to help him. They really step in when Stafford is at his lowest. He does his best to turn his life around after it takes a dramatic turn downward. He has to pull himself back up and he begins to slowly accomplish that. The town of Biloxi, Mississippi comes off as small-minded and quick to make decisions despite what the facts may show. It was interesting to see how unsolved homicides that appear to be connected don't get investigated like they should have. It also was interesting that the police seemed to feel that they could trample on the rights without any fear of pushback. Stafford Lee Penney needed to thank his stars that Jenny was like a dog with a bone when it came to finding out the truth of what was really going on. There were a few twists and turns in this book that helped to keep my interest. I did find the book very entertaining and enjoyed it. I received an ARC from NetGalley for my honest review.

This book reminds me so much of one of my other favorite authors, John Grisham. This legal thriller is full of twists and turns. Stafford Lee Penney is a small town lawyer from Biloxi, Mississippi who was voted #1 lawyer there. He's never lost a case. When he is the #1 one suspect in his wife's murder, he comes undone. After a stint in rehab, he decides to represent himself. I really enjoyed this book! Thanks @NetGalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

This was a great book. I loved every paragraph, every sentence and every word of this masterpiece! I read it in 12 hours, which is a lot for me to do! It had everything and more laid out in the novel! I sure hope There is more to come from this author! I am totally hooked!

I really enjoyed this twisted legal case, my favorite genre, it held my attention and kept me guessing. Stafford Lee Penney is an attorney in Biloxi with a winning record for his defendant clients. Defending a man accused of a double homicide could turn the tide. There is an affair, a pregnancy, a relative of the victim prosecuting the case and ties to the Dixie Mafia. The evidence seems overwhelming and the stakes become personal for Stafford Lee. There are dark, deadly secrets and the truth comes at a price. Is Stafford Lee on the right side of the law and will justice prevail? You’ll need to read this as soon as it’s released to find out. If you’re a fan of legal thrillers, tension filled situations and gripping suspense, I highly recommend!
A Digital Galley of “The #1 Lawyer” by James Patterson and Nancy Allen, published by Little, Brown and Company, was provided by NetGalley. Expected publication date 03/18/2024. These are all my own honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily without any compensation.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for this novel.

Wow! James Patterson does it again! Another great book full of extraordinary characters and a riveting story!

Read the book nonstop from start to finish. Took it literally everywhere with me!

Highly, highly recommend!!

James Patterson along with Nancy Allen have gifted the reader with a page turning tale filled with well-developed characters, intrigue and mystery set in coastal Mississippi.

Stafford Lee Penney is the #1 Lawyer in Mississippi with a knack for winning his cases. His biggest challenge opens the story. Stafford Lee is hired by Dr. Daniel Caro, OB-GYN and son of the local mafia kingpin, to defend him against two counts of murder. The trial and testimony are explosive in Biloxi and the verdict has far-reaching implications and consequences for Penney.

This is a page turner with many surprising and unexpected twists and turns. Prepare yourself to be drawn into this tale of family, friendships, lies, betrayals and murders. Reminiscent of the early John Grisham writings, only more intriguing and shocking thanks to Patterson & Allen.

Highly recommend reading this and looking forward to hopefully more cases for Stafford Lee Penney!

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown for the complimentary eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a fast-paced, excellent legal thriller, set in Biloxi, Mississippi. The main character, Stafford Lee Penney, is a local attorney and a good character, along with a good cast, including PI Jenny. I have read many Patterson books and especially enjoy the Alex Cross series, and the Women’s Murder Club series. This is my first book by Nancy Allen. Hope this is the start of a new series with Stafford Lee. Definitely recommended for fans of courtroom drama and legal thrillers.

Stafford Lee Penney is the number 1 lawyer in Biloxi, Mississippi. In all his years of practice, he has never lost a case. His best friends are a fellow lawyer and his female private investigator. They are all put to a supreme test when he takes on the case of a prominent doctor in town who is accused of murder. The writing is such that it caused me to continue reading it in one day. The novel is replete with many diverse characters as well as family problems among fathers and sons and husband and wife. As a result of a family tragedy, Stafford Lee (as he is always called) becomes an alcoholic. After rehab, he is a former shell of what he was. There are many twists and turns in the book and Stafford Lee finds himself in court once again - this time he is the accused.
This book is recommended for all who enjoy this genre and I thank Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this novel prior to publication.

Set in and around Biloxi, Mississippi this follows herds and court trials that seem to go on and on. The pace is slow at times but that just depicts the South. Other times things happen that you don’t see coming. Great ending! Absolutely read!

Excellent. Grabbed me from the start. Beginning with a trial, the book becomes a mystery. The ending of each chapter makes you want to read just one more, then just one more, and on and on. The ending was a surprise but everything fit.

The #1 Lawyer is a fast paced, suspenseful read that keeps you guessing to the last page.

There are those characters you just love and those you love to snarl at.

Stanford Lee Penney is the former and you cant help but admire his dedication, his determination and his ability to fight back.

That is why Stanford Lee is known as the #1 lawyer in Biloxi.

Things don't always go in his favour and he has suffered a personal loss that kicks him backwards.

When Stanford Lee finds himself on the other side of the law the boxing gloves go on.

Twists and turns and a great ending I did not see coming kept those pages turning and the dog waiting for her walk.

James Patterson and Nancy Allen are a team to be reckoned with and never disappoint.

I for one am hoping to see Stanford Lee Penney return in the near future.

Thanks to NetGalley and Little Brown and Company for a page turner of a read.

The #1 Lawyer by James Patterson and Nancy Allen immerses readers in a riveting legal thriller centered around Stafford Lee Penney, a celebrated criminal defense attorney in Biloxi, Mississippi. When tragedy strikes, Stafford's life takes a dramatic turn as he becomes the prime suspect in his wife's scandalous murder. The novel masterfully balances suspense and character development, portraying Stafford as more than just a legal powerhouse. The collaboration between Patterson and Allen creates a swift-paced narrative with unexpected twists, as Stafford transforms from a polished courtroom legend to an unrecognizable lifeguard in flip-flops. The story delves into the complexities of legal drama, personal struggles, and the relentless pursuit of justice, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the satisfying and riveting conclusion. The #1 Lawyer stands as a testament to Patterson's storytelling prowess and introduces a dynamic legal thriller with emotional depth and unexpected revelations.

I liked the book but you can definitely see that it was written by two people. I managed to read it in one day so it was a book that hooked you - even if there were parts that felt a bit disjointed. I usually really love James Patterson and have read all of his Alex Cross books, so I was looking forward to reading a book that said "move over John Grisham" - who I also love reading. It was very different from a Grisham book, but still good. Stafford Lee Penney is a southern lawyer who has never lost a case, but the case against Dr. Caro brings a whole lot of trouble to him. Even though he wins the case, the Caro family is part of the Biloxi mob and is not one you want to fool with. Soon after the trial is over, his estranged wife is killed in what seems to be an open and shut case, but things are not always what they seem. And Stafford spirals down - drinking away his sorrows and his career. His two best friends, Jenny and Mason, intervene and he goes into rehab, but that is only the beginning of his troubles. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and you are never quite sure who the villain is, There are so many unsolved cases and Stafford is suddenly accused of murder. From the #1 lawyer to the #1 serial killer, but is he? Definitely a fast read and I enjoyed it and want to thank NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Lots of twist and turns in this book. Great characters. I thought the ending was one twist too many.
Thanks to NetGalley for advance copy.