Book Review: The Tenth Case by Joseph Teller

ISBN: 978-0778326052
Publisher: Mira Books
Paperback: 384 pages
Genre: Legal Thriller
First Line: "We turn now to the issue of what constitutes an appropriate punishment for your various infractions," said the judge in the middle, the gray-haired one whose name Jaywalker always had trouble remembering.

One Word Review: Suspenseful

Publisher's Description:

Criminal defense attorney Harrison J. Walker, better known as Jaywalker, has just been suspended for using "creative tactics and receiving "gratitude" in the courtroom stairwell from a client charged with prostitution. Convincing the judge that his other clients are counting on him, Jaywalker is allowed to complete ten cases. But it's the last case that truly tests his abilities - and his acquittal record.

Samara Moss - young, petite, and sexy... - stabbed her husband in the heart. Or so everyone believes. Having married the elderly billionaire when she was an eighteen-year-old former prostitute, Samara appears to be the cliched gold digger. But Jaywalker knows all too well that appearances can be deceiving. Who else could have killed the billionaire? Has Samara been framed? Or is Jaywalker just driven by his need to win his clients' cases - and this particular client's undying gratitude?

Josheph Teller spent thirty-five years as a criminal defense attorney, and he uses his first hand knowledge of the criminal justice system to craft an intricate and well-thought-out legal drama that will hold readers' attention until the very last page. The Tenth Case is fast paced and exciting, with a tightly woven plot and interesting and well-written (if not always likable) characters. Teller's courtroom scenes are full of fascinating details, but it's never tedious. I completely enjoyed this book and found that I didn't want to put it down. It had enough twists to keep me guessing as well, and I was completely taken by surprise in the end - which isn't a common occurrence.

If you enjoy the works of authors like John Grisham, Steve Martini, and William Diehl, you don't want to miss this terrific debut novel.

Book Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Buy this book on Amazon.

Booking Through Thursday: Questionnaire

Today's topic is actually a series of questions.

What was the last book you bought?
Inkdeath, by Cornelia Funke. It's the third in the Inkheart series, and I am so looking forward to it. I'm contemplating going back and rereading the other two, though, because it's been a while in between books, and I know I've forgotten things.

Name a book you have read MORE than once
Well, I've read all of the Harry Potters more than once (all but Deathly Hallows more than twice, and some quite a bit more....). Discounting those, I've read The Stand by Stephen King four times.


Has a book ever fundamentally changed the way you see life? If yes, what was it?
No Opportunity Wasted by Phil Keoghan sort of made me think about how much of my life I've spent waiting for the next thing to happen...waiting to get married (I was barely 22 when I married, so I didn't wait too long), waiting to get a bigger/better house, waiting to move out of Vermont (that was a long wait)....just waiting for things to get better in general, and really my life wasn't bad - I just wanted more. Though NOW is more about taking chances and doing things you think you can't afford (financially and time-wise), it still made me reevaluate my life a bit and see that this is the only one I'm going to get, and I should be proactive in either making it better or accepting and enjoying what I have right now. Now, I won't say that the book has made me a happier person (we moved from VT to a wonderful place in VA, and I love it here, so I'll credit that more than anything), but it has given me a bit of perspective.

How do you choose a book? eg. by cover design and summary, recommendations or reviews
I have to admit that a pretty cover goes a long way with me. If a book has an ugly cover, I'm not picking it up, unless someone (someone I know or a review I read) specifically mentions how brilliant it is. If, on the other hand, the cover is really striking, I'll pick up the book and read the blurb. If it sounds like something I'd be interested in, I'll probably read it.

Do you prefer Fiction or Non-Fiction?
Fiction. The only non-fiction I really read are travel memoirs, and those are few and far between. I will occasionally read kid's non-fiction, but generally those are preparation for school.

What’s more important in a novel - beautiful writing or a gripping plot?
Gripping plot - I don't enjoy overly flowery writing. I want the writing to be good - even the best plot can be run aground through bad writing, but lovely writing with no plot is not something I want to read.

Most loved/memorable character (character/book)
Well, there is the obvious Harry Potter selection - I love so many of those characters, but aside from those, I think my favorite character is Odd Thomas (brought to life through Dean Koontz). I love Odd Thomas - he's so sweet and witty and lovable. I am not a fan of horror at all, so I'm not a big Koontz reader, but I adore the Odd Thomas books.

Which book or books can be found on your nightstand at the moment?

• Nation, by Terry Pratchett (which has been there far too long because I'm not particularly enjoying it.)
• Charlie Bone and the Time Twister by Jenny Nimmo (which is on my iPod, and I am thoroughly enjoying.)
• The Tenth Case by Joseph Teller (which I haven't gotten into enough to know if I'm enjoying it.)

What was the last book you’ve read, and when was it?
I last finished A Risk Worth Taking by Robin Pilcher, which was an audiobook. I'm working on the review now, so I won't tell you whether I loved it or not. The last book I read that wasn't an audiobook was Hot Mess by Julie Kraut and Shallon Lester (see my review).

Have you ever given up on a book half way in?
Sadly, yes. Crime and Punishment is one that springs to mind. I'm sure there were others, but not too many because I have this OCD need to finish the books I start. I very nearly gave up on The Hobbit, but I trudged through that one.