The Professor (McMurtrie and Drake Legal Thrillers Book 1)

If the author spent as much time in research, smart writing and intriguing story, rather than creative vulgarity, this could have been awesome. Don’t get me wrong, it’s your preference, but in this case it seems like he’s trying too hard to cover up bad writing by just being vulgar for its own sake. It’s a crazy rookie move.

The book was an easy read and had some unforeseen twists. For each positive quality there is, unfortunately, too many disappointing vulgarities, foul language and explicitly graphic sexual descriptions. Some things are better left out or inferred, rather than described in detail. Too bad the author chose to include all the dirty details instead of just writing a legal thriller.

I bought the first three books in this series because I am a fan of legal thrillers, but I didn't get past the second chapter of book one. This is not a book for Christians, nor for those who dislike the wanton use of profanity. Perhaps there should be a book rating system as there is for movies.

For the past nearly 40 years I have worked as a legal secretary for a small law firm representing claimants/plaintiffs. As the plaintiff in a personal injury case, I have also had personal experience with a defense firm's methods of reaching their goal of winning at all costs. Since plaintiffs' firms live from case-to-case they must stretch every dollar but defense firms have the resources of the insurance industry behind them. In case you don't know, the insurance industry is in control of our lives these days and they rake in more and more money from us then don't want to return any of it when they or their insured are at fault. Thus, a lawsuit against an individual is truly a lawsuit against an insurance company. Having said that, understand that "The Professor" is a classic David vs. Goliath situation. What's the little man to do? The defense firm/insurance company and, in this case, the business owner, is doing everything in their power, including murdering witnesses, to be sure the jury brings in a defense verdict. What did I think of the book, I started it yesterday morning and, with the exception of giving my poor old eyes a break in the afternoon, I read and read finally finishing it around 4:00 a.m. By the way, I had to be ready to take my grandson to school and get from home to work (over 30 miles) thereafter. Would I recommend it? I already have and I intend to try and buy a copy for my boss (who doesn't own an e-reader). For the most part, it was very true to life albeit slightly exaggerated in some parts. I have to say, though, I don't know many business owners who have been sued who have killed to protect their pocketbook, but I guess there are some. So, if you like legal intrigue, this book is definitely for you. The plot twists are worth the time reading it. I have already preordered the next book in the series.

This is a pretty good read. I enjoyed it, and looked forward to reading it every night or opportunity I had to read. The basic storyline is about an aging (68 year old) college professor (law degree, but went into education rather than the courtroom). Pretty much wrote the book on admission of evidence - which comes into the plot later on. Due to changes in university leadership and politics, he's forced out, and not in a good way. The back story is that in the opening scenes of the book, there's a horrific accident when an entire family is hit by a truck and all of them die. This ultimately turns out to be a court case, and a family member of one of the victims seeks out the Professor for help in bringing it to trial. He's too old and hasn't practiced so he refers the case to one of his former students, with whom he'd had a bad falling out earlier. Anyway, there's plenty of tension between the main characters, a huge oil and trucking company involved (led by an unscrupulous "will do anything to win" character). Ultimately the case goes to trial, and the young lawyer the case was referred to is in over his head against the big corporation and its big-time lawyer. So, "the Professor" comes to the rescue. The court scenes are pretty riveting. Not great literature, but an easy and enjoyable read. One minor irritation. I don't know how this got through the publisher's proofreading process, but the author literally goes over the top in using the phrase "his stomach tightened." C'mon, there's plenty of other phrases to express fear or frustration or anger, etc. In fact, he seems to have a fixation on other phrases involving the word "stomach." I lost count of the number of occurrences. Other than that minor flaw, again, a good book.

I am totally surprised this is a first novel (despite a few typos). It is rather long and has a lot of backstory, but as a legal thriller it has continuing conflict and suspense and good pacing. What is more, both main characters, the Professor and his former student, start off flawed and awed. Yet there is an excellent character arc as they deal with their flaws and improve. Moreover, the writing is excellent.The only “big” flaw is that a particularly evil character appears to disappear from the story unpunished. But perhaps he is being saved for a later novel.As a California lawyer I was somewhat taken aback by what must be good Alabama practice (the author is an Alabama lawyer). For instance, the lawyers walk around the courtroom and are allowed to walk up to the witness box without a judge’s permission. This would excite a California bailiff, and cause a judicial frown at least. Also, it is a civil case stemming from violation of Federal criminal laws. I would expect a good attorney to try and sic the U.S. attorney on the malefactors if only for the free discovery and additional pressure on the defendants. But authors have poetic license and this is a great tale.If you like thriller trial novels at all buy this one. I am anxious to read the next novel in this series.

Why do authors think they need to add all the trash language into their books? This looked like it would be a very interesting read, but with all the filthy language, I put it down. Take a hint from John Grisham; you don't need it!Won't buy another book by Robert Bailey,Phoneman

What a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed it, couldn't put it down, it's a brilliant legal novel, with shades of John Grisham in there. As a Brit, having regularly visited Alabama - in particular Huntsville - with plenty of time spent in Tennessee, the book took me right back there. My other half is also a Tide fan, so the book had added interest for me from that standpoint, too. I'm now on the second in the series and will definitely be reading the lot!

I enjoyed this, especially the court scenes. Of course, it has American sentiment, but academic dirty tricks can happen anywhere. The story provides a solid history for the relationship between the frail Professor and the young lawyer in the short series, and there is tension and excitement as the case nears its conclusion. The characters are well drawn and engaging, and the story is quite powerful at times.

This is the first of 3 books about the Professor and was so enjoyable I bought the next two. All three are a continuance telling the progress of a cast of characters none of whom are grey but all black or white in character. Each book is enthralling and difficult to put aside. Heartwarming and feel good but also believable. There is a promise of a return of the Professor for a fourth episode in his career and now have something to look forward to. Hope you will enjoy them all as much as I have.

If you want a book that has solid characters a believable plot, and will quietly teach you about how a court trial works, look no further.With echoes of such films like 12 angry men this story follows the path of two different men at odds to start come together to fight a common foe.Enjoyed this book emensly and plan to read on into the next of this series. Ten out of ten.

This book has a great storyline with age,experience,youth, blackmail,bullying,killing and many more in one storyline. It held my interest from beginning to end. In fact I tried to keep awake to finish it but by the time you have read the same line several times the story has to wait. It is easy to read and well worth the wait and you want to find out the end but are sorry to finish it. Excellent story, well written.

Concept promising & though the tale got a bit mushy towards the end it was enough to encourage me to look at the next book in the series. It started mushy & gradually wandered into mediocrity. I'll try to finish No2 but wouldn't risk No3 ( risk of throwing up).

This and the other three books in the series are superb thrillers written by a excellent story teller. They were so good my wife and I couldn’t put them down on our recent holiday. Can recommend all four unhesitatingly!

I bought this because I had read and enjoyed this previous book in the series. I am sorry to say that although it is quite well written , I found it predictable and did not enjoy this.

Really enjoyed this book. Believable characters and plot which was very well written. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Enjoyed this book very much . It was complicated with lots of twist and turns but it came nicely together at the end. The characters are well written and I can’t wait to read the next one.

A stunningly brilliant piece of work for a debut novel. An incredibly fast-paced read with entirely believable characters and plot. I was so intrigued I visited the author's website and discovered that the sequel is available for pre-order now on Amazon: Between Black and White, out March 16. My typical reads are Grisham, Harlan Coben, Linwood Barclay, David Baldacci. If you like them...you'll love this!

I am new to this writer. I really loved this book. I am a fan of John Grisham and love legal thrillers this book ticked all the boxes!

Interesting characters who clearly have somewhere to go in following books in the series. I will definitely be reading the next one.

Robert Bailey books are really good try them i have read one i have another two to read and i have his latest on order

Really enjoyed this book, looking forward to starting book 2. Really love all the characters and hoping for another great plot!