Thane Banning was a real estate attorney until 5 years ago when he became embroiled in the justice system with an inconceivable result of a conviction. Does an innocent man get sentenced to death row? Thane had no way to prove his innocence 5 years ago. Meeting his nemesis Bradford Stone in court once again the outcome is different. Thane gains freedom on a technicality. But is it truly freedom when the court of public opinion responds to you as a murderer/death row inmate? Do you give up or work to get your life back on track? Should you even try?

A tantalizing legal thriller! Michael Cordell is no stranger to writing as a produced screenwriter, and playwright, and for >15 years has taught screenwriting. For readers of this genre, this articulate writer adding novelist to his credits delivered an immersive reading experience. I was lured into the story by the setting, theme, character development, plot, and conflict. When I least expected the pace to heighten the author used all of his writing craft like a Formula One driver coming out of the last turn toward the checkered flag and the last pages were electrifying. ( )

CONTEMPT was an intriguing and engaging legal thriller with a surprising twist. Real Estate Lawyer Thane Banning was wrongly accused and convicted of murder. After five years in prison, he manages to get his conviction overturned on a procedural error.

Thane's out of prison but not with a cleared reputation. The court of public opinion and the victim's father are sure that he was guilty. The District Attorney Bradford Stone hates the idea that Thane got out. Stone has quite a reputation for being tough on crime and political ambitions too. Thane's release doesn't provide good optics.

The only ones who believe in Thane are his former boss Joseph Crowell who runs a boutique law firm specializing in real estate developers and their project, and Thane's wife Thane's wife Hannah who almost never lost faith in her husband's innocence but who doesn't really know the man who has come back to her.

When a man he met in prison comes to him for help when he's accused of murder, Thane tries to discourage him. Thane's specialty is real estate law, after all, But the chance to finally take on the DA who has decided that Skunk Burns' case would give him needed publicity for his upcoming campaign, Thane can't pass up the opportunity. What also draws him in is the fact that the man Burns is accused of killing is the same police detective who arrested Thane.

Thane has help from a friend who helped him learn how to survive in prison, Gideon who is a career criminal now out on parole, and Kristin Peterson, a law student twelfth in her class and looking to give herself an edge in the job market when she graduates.

These three unlikely heroes are taking on the might of the LA District Attorney's office. But the underdogs aren't going to play by the rules if it means losing the case.

I really enjoyed this story and couldn't put it down. Thane is an intriguing character who doesn't realize how much prison and death row has changed him. I liked the fast-paced plot and all the twists and turns that it took.

Fans of legal thrillers will enjoy this one and hope for more about the characters. ( )

A story about a man falsely imprisoned for five years and corruption in the DA’s office during a death penalty case? Yes, bring it on!

Contempt is fast-paced, well written, realistic legal suspense. The story might have you questioning just how much “justice” really exists in our justice system.

The first third to half is a little light on details. I would’ve liked to see more of Thane’s adjustment after being released from prison. What we’re shown, though, is handled well. I felt the struggle.

The second half is a rollercoaster ride, all downhill, with no breaks, unexpected turns, hands in the air and no seatbelts.

Can’t wait for more from Michael Cordell!

*I received a review copy from TCK Publishing.* ( )

After reading a lengthy Martha Grimes mystery, Contempt, presented a respite. The characters and setting skimmed the surface compared with Martha Grimes. As a prolific reader, I need to balance the books. Contempt delves into the world of convicted felons and life on the outside for these hardened men. Thane Banning has been sent to prison for the murder of a young woman. He constantly shouts his innocence. Luckily, for Thane, after five years he is released from prison on a technicality. Life does not go easily for Thane, a real estate lawyer. He must defend a fellow prisoner on the murder of a policeman and in the process find the person responsible for his conviction. The story rushes to the conclusion without exploring many alleys to the chagrin of this reader. ( )