An average lawyer is thrown into a potentially deadly case in this pulse-quickening thriller from bestselling novelist Phillip Margolin. Larry Weiss is a mathematical genius and world-class gambler who has taken up painting and become convinced he's Guido Sabatini, a reincarnated renaissance master. After selling a canvas to the manager of an exclusive restaurant, he's outraged that it isn't hanging in the dining room, and steals it from her office, along with a flash drive in her open safe. Charlie Webb, an undistinguished attorney, is called upon to defend him, but unknown to Charlie and Guido, the flash drive will implicate some very wealthy and powerful people in an ugly scandal, and they'll kill to get it back. Margolin gives his story a good portion of wit along with the thrills (and a truly surprising ending), and plenty of local color from its Portland, OR settings. And Peter Ganim's cool, clever narration keeps the pace steady and gives the characters lots of personality. Who knew art could be this exciting?

3.5 Stars (rounded up)

I don’t read a ton of lawyer thrillers so I may be way off base here but the beginning of this gave me Lincoln lawyer vibes.

An artist who takes so much pride in his work he steals back his paintings when not placed where he thinks they should be (lol). The storyline progressed at a good pace and kept my attention throughout with some of the character introductions and surprises.

The only thing that had me hung up a bit were some of the characters who were not developed well enough for me to remember or care much about.

Overall enjoyable and will look forward to reading more from Phillip Margolin. Great narration from Peter Ganim as well, his voice really fit the tone of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC!

4/5 stars

Thank you Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy!

As with the other books I've listened to by Phillip Margolin, this was a super fast-paced and exciting story. This took on more legal-thriller vibes, which I really enjoy now and then! This book could take a minute to get into, because at the start it's hard to get settled and tell where things are going, but it really picks up. There were some good surprises throughout and the writing is so well done that you'll be enticed the whole way. I really enjoyed the courtroom scenes and the legal aspect; these were really fun to listen to and wrapped up the story nicely. Perfect palate cleanser book that will keep your attention and entertain you!

This is my first Phillip Margolin novel. I've seen his legal thrillers around, but not ready to invest my reading time into a big legal thriller series, I had patiently waited for the opportunity to try a standalone.

I found An Insignificant Case to be wildly entertaining almost from the start. What seems like a highly manageable case for a fairly nutty client, outside an underachieving attorney's comfort zone, quickly explodes into something insanely huge.

I enjoyed the fast action and unpredictability of the story. Every new revelation made things so ridiculous yet also so intriguing. The character development was so incredibly well done that as things escalated, I found myself 100% invested in how everyone fared through the ridiculousness.

Too bad this one wasn't destined to be a series.

I was sort of interested in this book. I am not big on law procedurals but it sounded interesting and I like to try and branch out. I am so glad I did. This book hooked me. I was drawn in and wanted answers. I loved the characters and felt for them. It was like watching any of the law and orders on TV and I was all for it. I kept wanting to listen to know what was going to happen and who it may have been. I knew one of the characters was sketchy but I why they were I was very wrong about. I love thinking one thing and being wrong and surprised. If you like law procedurals or think you might definitely give this book a read. I bet you will not regret it!

An Insignificant Case has one one rather significant issue, and that is that the MMC is so incredibly naive and trusting, that it's almost unbelievable that he's an actual lawyer. I get that Charlie is described as "a third rate lawyer who graduated from a third rate law-school", but the amount of times he said or did something that even I, a non-lawyer, know are wrong were entirely too many. I will say that the book was interesting and kept me listening. I found the narration was well done. Thank you to NetGalley, Phillip Margolin, and St. Martin’s Press for an ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I listened to the audiobook for this book and I’m glad I didn’t, I don’t think I would have liked this story as much as I did if I read it myself. I will say I don’t agree with this being categorized as a “thriller” it should have been categorized as a mystery in my opinion. The beginning of this story was a little boring tbh, and it felt like the synopsis basically tells you the entire story. The story was longer than it needed to be, and overall was just an okay story. If you’re wanting a good mystery story that escalates the farther into the story you get then this book is for you. Just be mindful of the TWs before reading this because it does have a lot of parts about sex trafficking of young women.

This is my first book I’ve read by this author, and this kind of came off like a James Patterson book to me. Nothing wrong with that but I just want a lot more going on and a thriller story that sucks me in and keeps me on the edge of my seat, and I didn’t really get that feeling from this story.

This is a fast-paced legal thriller that focuses on attorney Charlie Webb, who becomes embroiled in a case involving a mathematician-turned-painter of questionable sanity. The painter has stolen a painting from a client and also taken a flash drive from her safe that has incriminating evidence of a grisly crime. Several bad people want that flash drive and will do anything to get it, but the painter believes he has divine protection and is not very concerned for his welfare. The storyline keeps one's interest and the characters are believable (if flawed!) The narration is flawless, providing realism to the story. A good thriller for winter reading/listening.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

My first of Philip Margolin and I absolutely enjoyed it! Finally got into his work and I was glad I started. Even though this was much like an episode of Law & Order, it was more elevated and so much fun to get into. If you like legal thrillers (ish) with an eccentric character, this should definitely be on your list. I listened to this and it stayed engaging throughout.

Why did I say -ish for a legal thriller? Mainly because it wasn't about legal proceedings from a. crime, this was more about the crimes and the characters. Yes, the main character is a lawyer, but he seemed to be just an anchor to get the stories going with the other eccentric characters. But this was definitely entertaining and a great read or listen. The narration, though, was just ok. There were just a few moments that were high on adrenaline (like with a fight scene or a twist) and the tone stayed the same.

Thank you to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio, and Minotaur Books for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

This wasn't bad, per se. But I felt bored at points and not really scared. The book was good, but IDK if legal thrillers are for me...yet. However, if you are into that kind of thing, this book is well-written and probably more your cup of tea.

Also, upon rereading via audiobook, this book is very sexist and the main characters are pretty meh.

Peter Ganim has narrated over 200 audiobooks. I have previously listened to his narration. I thought the narration/performance for this book was overall great. I listened at 1.75x.
Author Phillip Margolin has wrote over 20 novels. This is my first book by this author. The novel was a page turner full of suspense and courtroom drama. The story also contained dark content and unlikeable characters. If you enjoy legal thrillers, you might enjoy this one.

It's been far too long since I dove into one of Phillip Margolin's novels! This author knows how to craft a gripping legal thriller! He's an absolute must-read if you're a fan of legal thrillers.

Meet Charlie, a self-proclaimed mediocre lawyer who only gets hired when the budget is tight. After struggling to land a job post-graduation, he opened his own practice, surviving on referrals from sketchy friends and low-paying court-appointed gigs. That's how he crosses paths with the unforgettable Guido Sabatini. Guido is one of those wonderfully eccentric characters that truly makes the story come alive! Sure, he's in hot water for a burglary that spiraled into a murder charge, but his backstory is so heartfelt that you can't help but root for him. And he's so amusing!

Charlie has never tackled a murder case and tries his best to convey his inadequacy. But despite his efforts, he's thrown into the deep end!

The story unfolds at a thrilling pace, packed with action, but the characters steal the show. Guido, who refuses to go by his real name, Lawrence Weiss, believes he's the reincarnation of a Renaissance painter who brushed shoulders with the likes of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci. But wait, there's more! Guido is not just a quirky character; he's also a math genius who attended Berkeley and Stanford, using his skills to make a killing in casinos—until he was banned for counting cards. He left his prestigious position at the University of Oregon to pursue his destiny as a reincarnated artist.

Charlie and a cast of equally captivating characters add depth and humor to the mix! I enjoyed this tale through audiobook and ebook formats—my absolute favorite way to devour a book. The narrator was spot on, bringing Margolin's vivid storytelling to life. With Margolin's background as a criminal defense attorney, the narrative is rich with authentic details that keep you on your toes.

Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and Minotaur Books for providing these ARCs through NetGalley and Edelweiss. As always, all opinions are entirely my own.

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There are some definite flawed characters presented here. An underachieving lawyer who seems to judge women by their looks only. An artist who is crazy. Some horrible people doing horrible things. People who decide the law is for them to decide. But they all work. I was surprised that the book told the entire story instead of making me wait for another sequel. It was satisfying to know, but felt a it abrupt. Even with this one wrapped up, I’d read these characters again. They are imperfect. I like that. I really enjoyed the narrator.

Characters are nicely developed. A relatively simple case soon morphs into a murder case. Let’s just say that a humble lawyer comes to the rescue.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I received it in the audiobook form in exchange for an honest review.

Charlie Webb is a lawyer who considers himself "just good enough." He keeps the few friends he has out of trouble and takes whatever cases are sent to him from the court, Charlie meets Guido Sabatini (aka Lawrence Weiss) when he gets a call requesting a public defender. Guido has a history of stealing paintings he's made and sold because he didn't like where the buyer had displayed it. This time, Guido ends up getting tangled in a web of lies, murder, and danger when he steals more than he should have. As Charlie untangles the web, he uncovers dangerous secrets that put a target on him and his client and forces Charlie to reconsider who he can trust.
I felt this book was well written. It hooked me from the beginning and kept my attention all the way to the end. I would consider this book to be a legal thriller but on the lighter end of thriller. It isn't super graphic, but readers should check the trigger warnings as there is death, rape, and sex trafficking mentioned. There were some predictable plot twists, and some I didn't see coming. The characters were pretty well developed but the ending seemed a little rushed.

As for the narrator, his voice wasn't bad. I've listened to a lot of audiobooks and have had a few that I had to turn off because I couldn't stand the narrator. This was not the case. I enjoyed his voice, and it fit well with the storyline.

Bestselling NYT and international author Phillip Margolin returns with a tantalizing standalone legal thriller, AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE. An attorney gets caught up in a complex, multi-layered case with a web of secrets and lies in this twisty suspense whodunit.

About...

Charlie Webb has not always had it easy. He considers himself a third-rate lawyer, graduating from a third law school. His confidence is low. Both professionally and personally. When he could not get hired by the major law firms, he hung out his own shingle.

His cases are mostly minor, ranging from friends of his youth to court-appointed ones. He has led an unremarkable and insignificant life.

UNTIL... he is appointed the attorney for a crackpot artist known as Guido Sabatini (Lawrence Weiss).

Sabatini was arrested for breaking into a restaurant and stealing back his painting (he did not like where they hung it or its placement).

He is also an accomplished card shark and burglar, and while he is there, he steals a thumb drive from the owner's safe.

Not knowing what Sabatini has stolen, the attorney negotiates the return of the painting to drop the charges. But who knew what dark secrets were contained on the flash drive that would threaten some very powerful figures who would stop at nothing to retrieve it?

The restaurant owner and bodyguard are being investigated for the sex trafficking of minors. The plot thickens when a minor theft becomes a double homicide for Charlie, and a mysterious new woman steps into his life wanting to help. Can he trust her?

Charlie Webb's life soon becomes very intriguing... How are all the characters connected?

My thoughts...

AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE is a gripping legal thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists and turns!

Readers will root for Charlie as he navigates a new adventure filled with twists and turns. The character development in this book is so strong that I wished for a new series featuring Charlie.

It is fast-paced and intense, a riveting thriller featuring a mysterious, eccentric, and colorful client. He believes he is the reincarnation of a Renaissance painter who worked alongside Michelangelo and de Vinci.

What makes him even more interesting is that he was a brilliant mathemetician, a professional card shark, and a skilled burglar before becoming an artist.

As the bodies start piling up, the case turns into anything but insignificant! Someone is setting up Guido. Charlie is not confident he can handle this case, but Guido wants him, and bingo, he has his first murder trial!

AN INSIGNIFICANT CASE is highly entertaining — blending crime, legal, murder, and vigilante justice. One of my favorites by the author. (I am a huge legal thriller fan).

Audiobook...

The incredibly talented Peter Ganim narrates the audiobook, which brings the story to life with his engaging performance. I highly recommend it for an immersive reading experience.

Recs...

This book is for fans of the author, those who enjoy well-written, compelling legal thrillers with dramatic courtroom scenes, and fans of John Grisham, Robert Dugoni, David Baldacci, and John Lescroart.

Thanks...

Thanks to Minotaur Books, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, and #MacAudio2024 for gifting an ARC and ALC via NetGalley and Google Play.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Nov 5, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars
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I really enjoyed this fast-paced stand alone suspense thriller by Phillip Margolin. This legal thriller dives into the very wealthy who think they are above the law and untouchable. In this case that seems to be about a whacko painter named Larry Weiss, who prefers to be called Guido Sabatini, sells a painting to a restaurant owner and then steals it back? Well, it seems Guido is a genius and has quite a few skills and is no stranger to trouble. However, what he does this time opens up a whole different can of worms! There's a lot going on here. The only negative for me was even an insignificant lawyer with this insignificant case would have smelled something fishy. The narration was well done.

In the book An Insignificant Case, author Phillip Margolin writes about Charlie Webb, who is not a very good defense attorney. But he gets appointed by the court to represent an artist who was born Lawrence Weiss but makes everyone call him Guido Sabatini. This artist claims that he was personally trained by the great artists and is insulted if you don’t display his paintings in public for all to enjoy. And that is where things get crazy. Guido sells a painting to a restaurant owner but she hangs it in her office. So Guido steals the painting back and opens the safe behind the painting and steals an item. After getting arrested, everyone is after what Guido stole and Charlie is trying to keep him out of jail and keep everyone alive. What is so valuable that Guido stole? And who is trying to kill him? This seemingly insignificant and easy case becomes a web of murder and mayhem. This was a great fast paced story with lots of twists and turns. I would recommend this book. The audio-book narration was very good. I received a copy of this audio-book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow!!! Such a good legal/thriller. I was into this at the beginning, and could not stop as I went on. I am suchhh a critic of thrillers and often find it hard to like characters. But in this book, I loved Charlie, the “insignificant lawyer” who finds a way to make a name for himself in an unexpected way as he gets himself into a case far bigger than he could have imagined all because of Guido, a man who stole his own painting because it wasn’t displayed for the world to see.

This is perfectly fast paced and suspenseful. I highly recommend this to any fans of suspense and thriller! This was my first “legal” thriller, and it was so good! Loved it!

I really enjoyed a story coming from a kind of deadbeat lawyer instead of from an up and comer. Turns out he was insanely smart and accidentally stumbles into a much more complicated case than he expected. He even tries to get out of it, insisting he isn't qualified to do a murder trial, but alas, he is already sucked much too far into the crazy web of lies and coverups. Part legal thriller, part regular multiple murders thriller, and an enjoyable read.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for this review!