This book is very similar to the books of John Grisham in terms of plot and style and theme, but not so much character development. Stafford Lee is the best lawyer in the state of Mississippi, never losing a case. His life takes a downturn when his wife is murdered while in bed with another man. It takes Stafford Lee a long time to get back to "normal" and to figure out the crime. The story moves swiftly, with lots of action, keeping me interested even though I could not identify the murderer. Thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for providing an ARC.

James Patterson and Nancy Allen have crafted an enthralling tale centered on Stafford Lee Penney, a renowned trial lawyer in Biloxi, Mississippi. Throughout his fifteen-year career, he has never experienced defeat in the courtroom. The narrative unfolds with Stafford Lee representing Dr. Daniel Caro, a beloved OBGYN facing two murder charges. As the trial progresses, a local private investigator named Jenny provides Stafford Lee with crucial information that could impact the case's outcome. The plot takes unexpected turns, delving into Stafford Lee's personal life following a triumph in the courtroom, ultimately leading to a surprising career change and distressing personal events. The story gradually unveils long-held secrets and astonishing revelations, featuring compelling and memorable characters. After finishing the book, the captivating narrative continues to resonate in the reader's mind. The complimentary copy of the book was provided by Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. All opinions and comments expressed are my own.

Being from Biloxi, I was eager to read this one! It did not disappoint.

Stafford Lee Penney has a reputation for never losing a case. A sharp dresser, he is a local celebrity and the number one lawyer in America. Until he isn’t.

Stafford Lee is a small-town lawyer with a big reputation. But this case could be his undoing. And just as it is over, he finds himself on the other side of the law. As a suspect in his wife’s murder.

To say it changes him would be an understatement! He becomes a beach bum. Running around in flip flops and hanging at the beach.

Now he will defend himself.

I enjoyed this one a lot. I know everyone in Biloxi and I can tell you this is spot on. Thanks JP!

Netgalley/ Little, Brown, and Company March 18, 2024

Stafford Penney is a polished small town lawyer that never loses a case. His wife is murder and he becomes a suspect. In fact, the prime suspect. His life is turned upside down and he take a dramatic turn. Working as a life guard, wearing flip flops and mentoring a law student. Follow him as the murder is solved and he finds his way back to winning.

Patterson and Allen have teamed up for another twisted mystery where the lawyer who clears someone of murder ends up being charged and tried for the murder of his wife! Thanks for the advanced copy!!!

The #1 lawyer is another winner for James Patterson. I enjoyed this book about a southern lawyer in Biloxi, Mississippi. Safford Lee Penney is a successful lawyer whose life is about to go on a roller coaster ride and takes us along. It is a suspenseful mystery that takes some surprising twists and turns. Thank you to NetGalley, and Little, Brown and Company for the E-ARC. This is my own opinion of this book.

You will love The #1 Lawyer if you love to read Patterson! It's just what I was looking for.
Stafford Lee is one of the best defense attorneys in Mississippi until he reluctantly wins a case that changes his life. I wasn't sure who Stafford could trust until almost the end.
Likable characters, fast-paced storyline...Patterson and Allen crushed it!
Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for this advanced copy. My opinions are my own.

Patterson and Allen have grabbed the golden ring with this one.
Meet Stafford Lee Penney, Biloxi's criminal defense attorney with
all wins in his column and no losses. He is on a roll until he successfully.
defends a doctor whose family has mob ties and rampant criminality as its
backbone.
Stafford 's estranged wife is brutally murdered, and he is charged with the crime.
The defender becomes the defendant, and the story just gets better and better as
you flip the pages.
Murder, mayhem, chaos, plot twists and turns that you struggle to keep up with
make this completely riveting and a story that pulls you in and does not turn you loose.
Even at the end - Stafford keeps you wanting more.
Great characters with super development and interactions that make you feel like you are standing right there next to them, sweating in the Biloxi heat and wondering where you left your Panama.
Here's to the continuing adventure in the life and times of Stafford Lee Penney..
Five stars all the way.

This book was a good cops and robbers read. There was enough suspense to keep the reader interested. I addition, a small twist at the end. This is a book which I would recommend to those who enjoy a fast read mystery.

3,5 stars

James Patterson is a good author, we already know that. He’s had some misses but they are far and few.
This book just reinforces that he is still on top of his game. As always we have his signature fast paced, “can’t put it down” style. I really enjoy the MC in this book, and the overall story. Patterson shows that he can chameleon himself into any genre again, lol. I won’t say he’s anywhere near as good as Grisham, but he can hold his own that’s for sure.

Thank you for the opportunity to preview “1 Law.yer. It’s been some time since I have read a James Patterson novel. I was a fan with Along Came a spider and many Alex Cross books but for some reason I stopped reading them. I do like his stand alone and this one is excellent.
Stanford Lee Penny is a great attorney in Biloxi. He’s a local celeb and never loses a case. But his life is a mess. His wife has left him, he drinks too much and he is full of himself. He takes a murder case for a local doctor who is connected to the mob. Soon Stafford Lee is not sure of anything and as he goes down a self inflicted rabbit hole his entire life is on display.
The tables are turned and soon he is looking at the legal system as a defendant and the life he knew may be gone and he may wind up being like those he defended.
Great characters and a great ending. Could be a new series!
5 stars

James Patterson is a master storyteller, and along with Nancy Allen they have created a fascinating, captivating story of a well-known trial lawyer in Biloxi, Mississippi, Stafford Lee Penney. Stafford Lee has never lost a case in the fifteen years he has been practicing law.
The story begins in court where Stafford Lee is the attorney for Dr. Daniel Caro, a well-known and loved OBGYN doctor in the town of Biloxi. Dr. Caro is charged with two counts of murder. As the trial progresses, Jenny, a local private investigator, and friend, brings Stafford Lee some startling and possibly valuable information that could affect the outcome of the trial. It seems other circumstances mirror this one and could possibly be connected.
This is a riveting story that takes the reader on a wild ride. Upon yet another victory for Stafford Lee’s fine reputation as a trial lawyer, the shameful and shocking murder of his wife sends him over the edge. This eventually results in Stafford Lee working as a lifeguard at the beach and when he finally does get back into the court room, he shows up in inappropriate clothing as well as flip flops.
Long-held secrets are revealed, along with astonishing revelations as this story comes together. The characters are well-developed and dynamic, not to be soon forgotten. Upon turning the last page of this book, I am still reliving much of this fast-paced story in my mind.
Thank you to Little, Brown and Company, a division of Hachette Book Group, Inc. for the complimentary copy of this book. All opinions and comments are my own.

Stanford Lee Penney is a second generation lawyer. He is one of the top lawyers and a native son in Biloxi. He is a lawyer about to tested almost beyond his limit. The local Dixie mobster kingpin needs his skills to exonerate his son of murder. He and his wife are separated and he is desperate for a reconciliation. His investigator is true blue as his a childhood friend. The verdict in and it seems the jury is siding with Stafford Lee , again, and against the odds. Unfortunately Stafford has little time to celebrate. His wife is found murdered in their bed along with her liver who they think is Stafford. Found with the two is a grieving relative of his clients supposed victim. It’s a true mystery till the very end. In true Patterson style. We are given judicial insight and backstory. I was thrilled to see this new story from Mr Patterson in my que. I wish you the same thrill.

One of my favorite authors has written a page turner. This story is somewhat different with a quirky protagonist. A lifeguard lawyer. Okay…I never know what to expect from Patterson who must be one of the most gifted authors ever. Pick up a book with his name on the front…become lost in another world…yet still one with realistic characters and a story that moves quickly. From page one,I was hooked. I enjoy reading the books when Patterson partners with others also. Thanks to Netgalley.

Within the first chapter, I had to check to make sure I wasn't reading an advanced copy of new Grisham book. This book had me riveted from the beginning. I figured out part of the ending but not all of it. I highly recommend this novel! Thanks for the advanced copy NetGalley. #NetGalley #The#1Lawyer

Just perfect! Endless twists make this legal thriller one of the best I’ve read. I loved the story of # 1 lawyer, Sanford Lee Penney. His defense of Daniel Caro, accused of murdering his pregnant girlfriend, doesn’t feel right. Little does he know that this trial will start a series of events that are life-changing and deadly.

I literally couldn’t put it down. I needed the closure and the confirmation of my suspicions before I could put this heart-pounding book down.

Really, nothing I enjoy more than a great, suspenseful novel…this is one! Enjoy.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful novel.