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The #1 Lawyer: He's America's Best Lawyer Until He's Its #1 Murder Suspect Kindle Edition

by James Patterson (Author), Nancy Allen (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 6,741 ratings
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Biloxi’s best criminal defense attorney has never lost a case. Then his client’s beautiful wife is murdered, and America’s #1 lawyer suddenly becomes its #1 suspect. 

Stafford Lee Penney is a small-town lawyer with a big-time reputation for winning every case he tries. In his sharp suits and polished Oxford shoes, Penney is Biloxi, Mississippi’s #1 Lawyer and top local celebrity.
 
Just as Penney notches his latest courtroom victory, his wife is scandalously killed. He spirals into a legal and personal losing streak, damaging his reputation and ruining his career. 
 
That’s when Penney makes a bold decision. He stops trading on his power-lawyer identity and creates a new one: lawyer lifeguard. Moonlighting at the beach, showing up to court in flip-flops, mentoring a law student, the new Penney is at first unrecognizable. 
 
It’s said that a lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. But when Penney is accused of murder, the #1 Lawyer will find a way to triumph. 
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  1. Print length
    427 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    Little, Brown and Company
  5. Publication date
    March 18, 2024
  6. File size
    1731 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
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  10. See all details
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From the Publisher

James Patterson's number 1 lawyer
James Patterson's number 1 lawyer
James Patterson's number 1 lawyer
James Patterson's number 1 lawyer

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

James Patterson is the world’s bestselling author. Among his creations are Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Michael Bennett, and Maximum Ride. His #1 bestselling nonfiction includes Walk in My Combat Boots, Filthy Rich, and his autobiography, James Patterson by James Patterson. He has collaborated on novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton and has won an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, and the National Humanities Medal.


​Nancy Allen practiced law for fifteen years in her native Ozarks and served as a law instructor at Missouri State University for sixteen years. She is also the author of the Ozarks Mystery series.     --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0C9ZQ5JPN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company (March 18, 2024)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 18, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1731 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 427 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 0316499676
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 6,741 ratings

About the author

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James Patterson

James Patterson

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James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time. He is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride, and of breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Tiger Woods, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses. Patterson has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, and collaborated most recently with Michael Crichton on the blockbuster “Eruption.” He has told the story of his own life in “James Patterson by James Patterson” and received an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
6,741 global ratings
THE LAWYER. CRAZY GOOD READ
5 Stars
THE LAWYER. CRAZY GOOD READ
I read this book in three days ! Word for word all 420 pages. This is my first James Patterson book and won’t be my last The first third of the book is a Grisham read and I love Mr Grishams books The characters are outstanding and the last third of the book I couldn’t stop reading even at 3am I don’t want to reveal the plot but it has several interesting twists Never underestimate the public aka jury Having spent my fair share in the courts for work I found a couple of trial questions. I am in Florida and not a attorney Each state is different Next read is in May can’t wait and then return to playing catch up on Mr Pattersons books
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Top reviews from the United States

Kim
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding read!
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
Verified Purchase
I am a big fan of James Patterson. Read many, many of his books.
This definitely ranks as one of my favorites. From page one to the very end
it kept me completely entrenched. I read the whole book in about 10 days.
Highly … highly recommend. Patterson keeps his chapters short. I really like
that.
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Sofia Gutierrez
4.0 out of 5 stars Great thriller
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
The story of Stafford Lee's riveting career and his abrupt fall had me interested from the beginning. Though, a critique I have is the fast pace writing within the court room scenes can be a little jarring at times. The changes in the situation for Stafford Lee and the characters are relatable and dynamic. But some of the characters, especially Stafford-Lee’s wife, aren’t as fleshed out as I would like it to be. I liked the unique look at a justice system, determining to mete out justice without playing favorites. The scenes with the victims were disturbingly realistic as was the emotions in the courtroom when evidence was presented. I liked the banter between the characters and the realism of what happened to Stafford Lee when his wife was killed. His downward spiral was realistic and heart-breaking. All of the secondary characters play an integral part in the story and don’t feel like they were shoehorned into Stafford-Lee’s life plot. My favorite character was Jenny, the PI who helps Stafford Lee on his cases and who is there for him personally when he falls to the bottom of his career. Overall, This is a well-written page turner, in a style of short chapters and with sub-plots that all tie well together. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end and would totally recommend it.
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Let’s hear it for Stanford Lee!!
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
Wow, another great book by James Patterson and Nancy Allen!!! I love the storyline and settings in this book. Stanford Lee, Mason and Jenny made such a great team only to have one of them turning on the other. Hopefully there will be another book with these characters and the courtroom drama will continue.
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DP
5.0 out of 5 stars A Gripping Novel
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
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James Patterson and Nancy Allen have hit the golden stars once again. The #1 Lawyer is at the top. Twists and turns? Yes! Who is the killer? This is a most read for those that like suspence! Once you begin to read about Stafford Lee Penny, well - - - - - !
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Piwacket
5.0 out of 5 stars Another great read
Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
James Patterson never disappoints. I've been reading his books for years and always enjoy the twists and turns of the plots. I don't know how he continually manages to keep the reader engaged without becoming a same old, same old author. I especially like the short chapters, for me, keeping up the interest and knowing the next chapter is where I start the next time I pick up the book. I especially liked the Southern twang of this story, very entertaining.
3 people found this helpful
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Kindle Customer Julie
4.0 out of 5 stars The#1 Lawyer New style for Patterson and his co-writer
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
The #1 Lawyer is a murder book but not in the traditional Patterson style. The lead character is the victim of a cover-up. There are lots of bodies along the way. It’s a fast read and would be a great book for the beach. Has a few too many coincidental to make the plot come together to make it a great book but it’s a good book. Like all Patterson books, short chapters, short sentences move the reading along easily.
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Margaret Hejmanowski
5.0 out of 5 stars Legal thriller
Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2024
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I love all things James Patterson and this does not disappoint. This is comparable to John Grishman' s legal thrillers. Stafford Lee is one of the best lawyers in Mississippi, having never lost a case. After Stafford Lee squeaks out his latest win, his wife is brutally murdered. There are three bodies found in the bedroom; what is going on? Stafford Lee hits rock bottom; and drinks all his meals. Can he recover and find out what really happened to his wife? OK James Patterson what's next for you???
One person found this helpful
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Sheryl
4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2024
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I am usually done with a Patterson book in 48 hours. For me, the first half was very slow reading and the last half was typical Patterson fast pace. I don't know why it was slow, but in the end it was a good book.
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Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Lawyer
Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2024
Verified Purchase
Exciting and fast pace read
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Mike Cross
5.0 out of 5 stars Spoiler alert.. a page turner of an adventure
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 21, 2024
Verified Purchase
One character goes from successful lawyer, to drunk, arrested for vagrancy, goes to rehab, becomes lifeguard, accused of murdering a mysterious lady from his past, to an accused serial killer, to exonerated but betrayed by his best friend in 432 pages, you are in for a rollercoaster. Of course there are a host of other characters with equally convoluted adventures. A real page turner.
One person found this helpful
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Beth Worthy
5.0 out of 5 stars twists and turns
Reviewed in Australia on April 14, 2024
Verified Purchase
Typical James Patterson. A story with strong vulnerable characters who are real, flaws and strengths. The plot weaves through in a twisted way where you find yourself supporting some of the characters in some chapters and then finding their true colours in others. The same applies to the seemingly baddies. Riveting from the first words to the last.
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rhona
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 7, 2024
Verified Purchase
Couldn't put it down gripped you on every page hope there's another one out soon just couldn't stop reading it
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Lizo
5.0 out of 5 stars One of Patterson's best
Reviewed in Australia on April 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
I didn't know much about the storyline . It rampt up slowly, but many twists and turns. Keeps going strong until the very end. One his best👌 .
One person found this helpful
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