Category: Mystery/Suspense Publisher: Top Publications, Ltd.
ISBN-10: 1935722913
Type: Fiction
Pages: 418
Copyright: November 30, 2018
ISBN-13: 9781935722915
Dallas attorney Stan Turner hates criminal law but has a propensity for attracting murder cases anyway. So, it's no big surprise when a simple attorney-ad-litem appointment in family court evolves into a complex murder trial.
Dallas attorney Stan Turner hates criminal law but has a propensity for attracting murder cases anyway. So, it's no big surprise when a simple attorney-ad-litem appointment in family court evolves into a complex murder defense.
Melody Monroe, a delightful teenager with ambitions to be a gymnast, loses her parents in a tragic auto accident. She is devastated and falls into a deep depression. Without any relatives to take her in, she ends up with Child Protective Services. Due to what CPS considers to be her bad attitude, they have difficulty placing her with a permanent foster family until Frank and Marjorie Monroe come along. They are a middle-aged couple who want a child but don’t want the hassle of raising one who is very young, so Melody is a perfect fit.
Unfortunately, Melody soon finds out Frank is an alcoholic and often beats Marjorie up. And, it also becomes apparent that her new parents each have their own agendas, so she often finds herself caught in the middle of their bickering. Frank, too, has an un-fatherly interest in Melody which is rather unsettling.
Before long, Melody learns that Frank and his sister Natalie are beneficiaries of the Monroe Trust which owns a ranch worth millions of dollars. The two hate each other, and as the date draws near for the final release of the trust restriction on selling the ranch, Frank is found dead behind the wheel of his Ford Ranger. When Melody is charged with his murder she begs Stan to defend her.
Professional Reviews abstactlemon
I think a perfect one-sentence summary is that William Manchee's Deadly Blood will keep you up and turning the pages of the book at 2 am in the morning. This gripping story follows Stan Turner, an attorney working in Dallas, as he plays the role of attorney ad litem for a divorce suit. He represents the teenager Melody Monroe, who believes her dreams have been fulfilled when she gets adopted into a wealthy couple's home after having lost her parents in an accident. It isn't all roses, however, and happenstance leads her to a situation where she's being blamed for the murder of her adopted father. Stan wants nothing to do with this case, but at the insistence of Melody, he accepts it and finds himself caught up in something much deeper.
This 300-page legal thriller far exceeded my expectations. I knew I was going to like it because I'm a big fan of the thriller genre, but there is something about the way Manchee crafts his story that just makes it impossible to let go. The fast pace and expertly crafted prose were a sight to behold, and they were only made better by the main character. Turner is not a criminal lawyer by any means, so it was especially fun watching him navigate the obstacles and curve balls that were thrown his way.
This is apparently the 12th book in a series, which comes as a shock but doesn't surprise me at all. The contradiction stems from the fact that the book reads like a standalone, but it makes sense that there are many books preceding this one because Turner feels like the type of character that the author has spent a lot of time writing. He is well-rounded, carries a staggering amount of depth, and is a great lead for the story. He is very competent, yet somehow still fits the underdog category.
The other characters didn't fall short either. Melody and other significant characters in the book were interesting to watch. The revelations, twists, and interactions between them made the book that much better. Manchee, being a real lawyer himself, was able to paint clear pictures of a courtroom, enhancing certain aspects tastefully to add to the scenes he depicted.
My only gripe with this book is that it didn't completely stick the landing for me, but other than that, this is easily 5 out of 5 stars. However, I must include a trigger warning. This book dives into sexual assault, so you might want to avoid it for that reason. If you still want to read it regardless and you enjoy legal thrillers, then this book will be your next favorite.
Wow! I got interested in the Stan Turner Mystery Series with my first read, Deadly Dining (read that review). But Deadly Blood pulls readers into one of the most complicated, intense legal novels that I've read. Kudos to the author!
Stan Turner, a reluctant criminal lawyer, seems to always get pulled into cases that he is quite able to handle, but not his preferred choice. Nevertheless, he's good at it, and word is spreading. And, another lawyer is watching his latest case, trying to help, hoping she can maybe join in his future cases...
The latest case is a perfect example...somebody comes out, sees Lawyer Stan turner, and asks him to represent the child as her attorney-ad-litem. Simple enough so he takes it. Melody Monroe, an adopted child, has been taken into a home that is not the happiest, albeit a rich, beautiful home that is comfortable and she is well cared for. Finally, Frank and Marjorie are in divorce court, with Marjorie seeking a divorce. Frank is an alcoholic and often abuses his wife... In a normal situation, the decision would be easily closed and life would move on.
Before that can happen, Frank is found dead, a possible suicide, as he was still sitting in his truck with the engine turned on... And before the judge releases Turner from the divorce case, the police are asking him if he will continue as her legal representative for...murder... Melody Monroe has been charged with the murder of her father...
I enjoy Stan Turner, the main character and wish I could read the entire series. For this book, however, Melody Monroe, is the sympathetic character to watch. Earlier in her life, she was an exceptional gymnast and her parents were thrilled to support her. In fact, it was on their way to a meet when a terrible car accident occurred. Both of Melody's parents were killed. Melody was devastated that they were killed and felt great guilt in living. Even after her scars healed, she continued in deep depression. While she was in Child Protective Services, she was not allowed to grieve while she was shuffled from home to home, and sent back, due to what was called her bad attitude.
It must have seemed like a miracle to be going home, finally, with Frank and Marjorie, who seemed to be quite happy to have their new daughter to love and care for. If only Melody could have known what was ahead for her! Because, there was a "motive" for her to have killed her father...One that, if she had known it, had mattered little in light of finally having a home and stability...
Twists, turns, and surprises move this book forward quickly and just when things are cooling down...another murder occurs! Yes, a double murder case in one book...with our Stan Turner taking charge in both. But even he was surprised as we move toward the closing. Unexpected, tense, and legal thrills at their finest. But the mystery is stronger than the thrills, even, as the author pulls our strings as each page goes by and has us guessing. No way could I have worked out the ending... And you know what that means...I love an unsolvable mystery book! And with the Double Punch of two different cases, we see Turner and his crew at their finest, trying to get ahead of the prosecutor's case! Don't let this one pass you by if you are a legal novel fan! Highly recommended...
GABixlerReviews
Book Provided by Author's Den
Reviewed by Laura H. (Reader)
Reviewed on December 3, 2018
This is a superb publication that has a plot that leaves the reader reeling. A mystery with the twists that a reader has come to expect from this author. Manchee has a penchant for taking his readers on a ride and one with a cacophony that a reader is lost and not until the end truly sees the publication for the evil it truly is.
The book has such an evil, con-fluted, and despicable plot that I was guessing to the end. To not give away any of the ending--it is absolutely brilliant; and Melody is a well-rounded child despite all she went through.
The characters in a mystery are usually the love-hate type of people, but in this publication there is certainly none of that when you read about the parents.
This is fiction and as such a child raised in the foster care system does not necessarily have the character of Melody but one can hope.
The manner in which the author chose to write this book was genius and gives readers one story broken into two distinct parts.
I would suggest you take the time to read this very interesting book with the most unusual plot.
Another great Stan Turner mystery! This time Stan is pulled into a new murder trial after trying to show a professional courtesy towards an associate by agreeing to an attorney-ad-litem case involving a teenager. Melody has been through the death of her parents, being put into the system (child protective services) and finally being adopted by parents that had their own reasons and agenda for adopting a child; not being normal, loving parents, as one would expect. As expected, William Manchee provides loads of twist and turns in yet another book that is hard to put down until the end.
Unfortunately, the novel has several typo's that disrupt the natural flow of the reading of the story. However, it does not hinder another wonderful Stan Turner mystery by William Manchee. High marks! Great story line! Interesting plot! I recommend you check it out! 'Deadly Blood, A Stan Turner Mystery' is a great mystery, very enjoyable novel! Look forward to more...
Jerry Lowenstein, an octogenarian and a nice guy, has written a fantastic mystery/ suspense novel that takes place just after WW2 on and near Bikini Atoll. He actually witnessed an atomic bomb test. Can you imagine that?
Stan Turner, a reluctant criminal lawyer, seems to always get pulled into cases that he is quite able to handle, but not his preferred choice. Nevertheless, he's good at it, and word is spreading. And, another lawyer is watching his latest case, trying to help, hoping she can maybe join in his future cases...
The latest case is a perfect example...somebody comes out, sees Lawyer Stan turner, and asks him to represent the child as her attorney-ad-litem. Simple enough so he takes it. Melody Monroe, an adopted child, has been taken into a home that is not the happiest, albeit a rich, beautiful home that is comfortable and she is well cared for. Finally, Frank and Marjorie are in divorce court, with Marjorie seeking a divorce. Frank is an alcoholic and often abuses his wife... In a normal situation, the decision would be easily closed and life would move on.
Before that can happen, Frank is found dead, a possible suicide, as he was still sitting in his truck with the engine turned on... And before the judge releases Turner from the divorce case, the police are asking him if he will continue as her legal representative for...murder... Melody Monroe has been charged with the murder of her father...
I enjoy Stan Turner, the main character and wish I could read the entire series. For this book, however, Melody Monroe, is the sympathetic character to watch. Earlier in her life, she was an exceptional gymnast and her parents were thrilled to support her. In fact, it was on their way to a meet when a terrible car accident occurred. Both of Melody's parents were killed. Melody was devastated that they were killed and felt great guilt in living. Even after her scars healed, she continued in deep depression. While she was in Child Protective Services, she was not allowed to grieve while she was shuffled from home to home, and sent back, due to what was called her bad attitude.
It must have seemed like a miracle to be going home, finally, with Frank and Marjorie, who seemed to be quite happy to have their new daughter to love and care for. If only Melody could have known what was ahead for her! Because, there was a "motive" for her to have killed her father...One that, if she had known it, had mattered little in light of finally having a home and stability...
Twists, turns, and surprises move this book forward quickly and just when things are cooling down...another murder occurs! Yes, a double murder case in one book...with our Stan Turner taking charge in both. But even he was surprised as we move toward the closing. Unexpected, tense, and legal thrills at their finest. But the mystery is stronger than the thrills, even, as the author pulls our strings as each page goes by and has us guessing. No way could I have worked out the ending... And you know what that means...I love an unsolvable mystery book! And with the Double Punch of two different cases, we see Turner and his crew at their finest, trying to get ahead of the prosecutor's case! Don't let this one pass you by if you are a legal novel fan! Highly recommended...
GABixlerReviews
Book Provided by Author's Den
The book has such an evil, con-fluted, and despicable plot that I was guessing to the end. To not give away any of the ending--it is absolutely brilliant; and Melody is a well-rounded child despite all she went through.
The characters in a mystery are usually the love-hate type of people, but in this publication there is certainly none of that when you read about the parents.
This is fiction and as such a child raised in the foster care system does not necessarily have the character of Melody but one can hope.
The manner in which the author chose to write this book was genius and gives readers one story broken into two distinct parts.
I would suggest you take the time to read this very interesting book with the most unusual plot.
Unfortunately, the novel has several typo's that disrupt the natural flow of the reading of the story. However, it does not hinder another wonderful Stan Turner mystery by William Manchee. High marks! Great story line! Interesting plot! I recommend you check it out! 'Deadly Blood, A Stan Turner Mystery' is a great mystery, very enjoyable novel! Look forward to more...