Michael Stagg

Nate Shepherd attended his longtime friend Matt's sister's wedding in Carrefour, Ohio. Liselle had been dating the groom's uncle, billionaire Richard Phillips for about a month when Richard invited her to be his guest at the wedding. When he met Liselle at the reception, Nate didn't realize that he would become her attorney in the coming days—defending her for charges of first-degree murder.

Michael Stagg is the pseudonym of a lawyer who began writing legal thrillers before writing full-time. He crafts a well-written legal thriller. I love trees but was not aware of emerald ash borer devastation. That element, as part of Liselle's characterization, enhanced the storyline. The link to Nate's life revealed more of his past and elevated intrigue in the attorney/client relationship. The courtroom drama was taut. I guessed the verdict, and still, the craft of the ending took me by surprise. Edge of my seat, surprised!

Let there be no doubt I'll continue reading this series! I hope you do too!… (meer)

I was adhered to and immersed in this gripping novel from the first sentence to the last.

A murder trial is about to begin in the city of Carrefour with addresses in Ohio and Michigan. The firm hired for the defense is in Minneapolis. Lead attorney Christian Dane is required to hire local counsel and hires Nate Shepherd. In accepting the role as outlined, little could Nate have foreseen that the dynamics of his position would change so quickly and affect him and his family in such a personal way.

Well-developed characters, vivid dialogue, and edge-of-your-seat courtroom drama elevate interest for a fast-paced, roller-coaster ride in the legal arena. This novel is true grit legal thriller style. I can’t wait to read more of the series!

As a civil trial lawyer, the author began his writing career using the pen name Michael Stagg. He now writes full-time and has continued using the pen name for the series. I can only imagine how riveting it was to listen to his direct examination and cross-examination in the courtroom but every indication from his writing suggests he was a strong opponent. I’m so glad he’s decided to write legal thrillers!… (meer)

The short story takes place as Nate Shepherd begins his law career in the prosecutor's office immediately following law school and about 10 years before the events in Lethal Defense, Book 1.

Signing up for the author's newsletter provided the opportunity to receive the short story. It's an excellent precursor to the history of Nate Shepherd and Mitch Pearson and the early days of Nate's relationship with Sarah, the woman that became his wife.

Simply said, Enjoy! I'm glad I did.… (meer)