A Casey Bannister novel. Casey finds himself in the center of an explosive murder trial, not knowing who to trust, resentful police, a determined prosecutor, or the beautiful defense attorney who needs his help.
Former NYPD homicide detective, Casey Bannister, faces his most challenging case yet, working for a beautiful defense attorney defending a man accused of killing a cop’s wife.
Uncertain who he can trust and who is hiding secrets, Casey is determined to find the real killer, but seemingly he makes enemies of everyone he meets. Facing political pressure and resentment from local police Casey receives help from a most unlikely source, his former NYPD lieutenant now in a coma.
Excerpt
“I should be thanking you. Let’s call it even.” Casey pictured the naked blonde on Ryan’s bed. “Who was she?”
“She works at the hotel. We didn’t get around to exchanging names.” Ryan laughed and looked past Casey.
Allison and Mandy walked through the half door. From the frown on Allison’s face, she had obviously heard Ryan’s comment about not exchanging names. The cold mask of Mandy’s face showed she’d heard, as well.
With her eyes misting, Mandy set her briefcase beside the table, then turned, walked down the aisle and out the courtroom.
Casey wanted to punch the arrogant young attorney in the nose, or slap the shit out of him.
Allison glared at Ryan. “How could you?”
“Me?” Ryan raised an eyebrow to Allison.
Allison rolled her eyes at Casey, and then lowered her voice. “You told him?” She smacked her briefcase onto the table. “I better check on Mandy.”
“Let me.” Casey hurried down the aisle. He pushed through the door and spotted Mandy disappearing into the women’s restroom beside the elevators.
Casey hurriedly crossed the room. He stopped in front of the restroom door and knocked. “Mandy we have to talk.”
The door opened a crack. “Go away!” The door closed.
A white-haired woman in a blue dress with a strand of white pearls stood beside the elevators watching the exchange. With a round bulldog-like face, she gawked incredulously at Casey.
Casey leaned closer to the door. “Please listen.”
No answer.
“Look, Mandy, I’m sorry about what happened. Men are weak. We make mistakes when it comes to sex. It was a one-night stand. It didn’t mean a thing.”
The door burst open and Mandy came out holding a tissue to her eyes. “Well it does to me!” She punched the down button beside the elevator.
The old lady shook her head then touched Mandy gently on the shoulder. “Are you alright honey?”
“Do I look alright?”
The lady shot Casey a smoldering sneer. Her lip curled in disgust. “You dirty old man!”
Professional Reviews
Author Toby Heathcotte
Cuts Like a Knife by Michael Murphy deserves its name. It lays
out the raw flesh of human experience. On the surface, the
novel thrills with a fast-paced murder mystery involving the
fearless detective, Casey Bannister, whose dry wit and angst
about women make him lovable. On a deeper level the novel
explores whether we can act honorably, whether we can trust
each other, or more disturbingly whether there is any good in
humankind to be found. Murphy's answers by turns comfort and
haunt. Cuts Life a Knife is a fine read, one I highly recommend.
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