The third installment of the Jane Smith series (announced as”Never Say Die” but changed to “The Hamptons Lawyer”) is an extension of the previous two thrillers. Jane is a defense lawyer with a reputation for never losing. She never asks if her client is guilty (although circumstances sometimes reveal the truth). Her life is very complicated since, in the first book, “Twelve Months to Live,” she was given a terminal diagnosis about neck cancer. It’s 8 months later and she’s tolerated the cancer treatments (and escaped murder attempts) to still give her best performances in the courtroom. Her dark future is still overwhelming — if cancer is a trigger point for the reader, you might want to pass.

The plot is an extension of the last book, “Hard to Kill.” Patterson and Lupica have slipped in enough backstory so this can be a standalone (if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription, the first books are free), but basically Jane was successfully defending a rich entitled thug, Rob Jacobsen, from a triple murder charge. Rob is still under house arrest since there was a *second* triple homicide of which Jacobsen was accused. This time Jane still has her investigator, Jimmy Cuniff, and Ben Kalinsky, a veterinarian in love with her, but she’s aided by a feisty 80 year old jury consultant, Norma Banks, and a questionable second defense chair and full time publicity hound, Thomas McGoey. Jane still has her rescue dog, Rip, as well, at her side. Colorful characters make this thriller memorable.

As is usual with Patterson books, there are a lot of short chapters (123!), but almost every chapter ends with ratcheting up the action. The Patterson signature structure has always helped to brilliantly unwind the plot and make even long books go quickly and Patterson fans will be entertained as usual. The ending is satisfying and that title change to the more optimistic and simple “The Hamptons Lawyer” is a possible clue that the third book is not the end of a trilogy. You go, girl! 4.5 stars!

Thank you to Little, Brown and Company and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!

Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for allowing me to read and review this book.

I very much enjoyed this book. The writing was great and the characters were well developed. I hope to read more from this author in the future.

I effing love Jane effing Smith! This is probably my favorite Patterson (Lupica) series. I have really enjoyed every book so far. Jane is a unique character, strong, smart and dying. She is partnered with Jimmy Cuniffe, her wily investigator. Once again, Jane is once again tasked with defending Rob Kaufman facing another multiple murder charge. Her life is threatened by mobsters, psychopaths and cancer…yet, she perseveres.

New characters are introduced into the mix. I am sure that the aged jury consultant will return. As an older reader, it’s nice to see a vivacious and brilliant older woman in the mix!

The novel brings us into the courtroom and the world of dangerous illegal gambling. I found both of these plots extremely compelling. Although this can be read as a stand-alone, I would urge readers to start the series from the beginning. The books are fantastic and the full series will make for an extremely satisfying experience.

I enjoy the Hamptons setting. I also am fond of the growing role of a serious love interest for Jane, Dr. Ben Kalinsky.

Can’t wait to see Jane in her next case! Thank you Netgalley for this very pleasurable read.

Great writing team. Fast paced, great setting, a fabulous page turnover . Thanks for the advanced read and much luck with the book. T