The Last Witness: Lou Mason Thrillers (Volume 2)

This book (as well his other books in this series) were hard to put down. If you do put the book down they are easy to pickup because you want to know what is going to happen next.

This book was well planned out, giving the user crumbs to keep them guessing right up until the end. Very rich character development as well.

Anyone who expects to make it in business or politics in Kansas City had to deal with Jack Cullan until someone killed him. The circumstantial evidence heavily points towards ex-cop and now bar owner Blues Bluestone. Last night Blues interceded and roughed up Jack when he was physically bullying Beth Harnell, Chairwoman of the Missouri Gaming Commission. During the one sided scuffle between the males, Jack scratched Blues' hands leaving the barkeep's skin (DNA) under the political fixer's fingernails. Homicide Detectives Rymer and Zimmerman arrest Blues for murder; Blues retains Lou Mason as his attorney. No bail is granted because someone with strings wants the pressure of prison time to either break Jack into a confession or have him killed in jail. Either way the case is closed. Knowing the system is already heavily rigged towards the prosecution and this case is perfect for the other side, Lou realizes he cannot win in court so he must find the real killer. The second Mason legal thriller is an exciting tale that reads more like a private investigative novel. The legal aspects of the plot show how the game is fixed to overwhelmingly maximize the odds in favor of the government regardless of whether justice is served or even whether a convicted person did the act (Governor Ryan). Besides the eye opening look at the American legal system, Lou is a wishbone pulled in two directions by his friendship for the accused and his loving respect for the lead detective. All together this combo makes for an entertaining, shockingly educational who-done-it. With prose that are as precise as the workings of a slot machine and dialog that is quick, biting, hard boiled and smart, Joel Goldman has crafted a master piece in this, the second Lou Mason book. The pace is unrelenting, the plot perfect as it twists through the frozen streets. The characters are realistic and excellently developed and the story will pull you in like a gambling addiction. Oh, and the "reveal" will astound you, you'll never see it coming and yet all the clues are there. walt556

Joel Goldman's Lou Mason series of legal/criminal thrillers are great reads. His books have been compared to John Grisham and Michael Connelly's Mickey Haller, but they are more than good enough to stand out on their own. It is even better news that they they are all affordable Indie publications.Last Witness is Joel Goldman's second legal thriller featuring attorney Lou Mason (not Perry Mason!). It is a fast paced, page-turner mystery thriller with a legal/criminal background.Lou Mason has left the law firm which imploded during Motion to Kill, and has set up on his own in an office above a jazz bar owned by his good friend Blues. One evening Blues gets into a fight in the bar with an unscrupulous lawyer. Shortly afterwards the lawyer is found murdered at his home and Blues is arrested for the murder because his fingerprints are found at the crime scene.Lou takes on Blues's defence, which is difficult because the lead Homicide Detective Harry Ryman is also a great friend of Lou's. It is made more difficult because Ryman has a long term hatred of Blues from the time he was his partner in the police.In defending Blues, Lou has to find the murderer amid a complex mesh of corruption involving a casino operator, the attractive head of the Casino Control Commission and the Mayor of Kansas City and his helpers.The plot is well crafted, fast moving and rewarding with plenty of action and thrills and an unexpected ending. It well deserves a 5 star rating.Lou Mason is a great new character who features in several later books, which I am looking forward to reading.

It has been a few years since I have read a GOOD legal thriller.I moved on to fantasy and other genres.After devouring the fantasy world I found myself needing something different.So I went back to my old stomping grounds.I was surprised to find so much new talent.This book caught my interest and I purchased it.Lou Mason is a guy caught between the man he would like to be and the one he is.The law he practices and the laws he willing to break to find the truth.In this installment his friend Blues, finds himself arrested for murder.Lou runs to his defense.The only way to get Bluestone off is to find the real killer.Very little court room antics are played out in this thriller.,more detective work then anything else.The story is set in Kansas City in the middle of winter,a nice change from L.A. or new York City were most of these types of book is set.Lou finds himself up against old time politics,a fixer that has got himself murdered,a woman who has a past with some kinky pictures and little or no control of her inner demons and a very interesting reporter(newspaper woman) who has No interest in men.Mr. Goldman has blended all these characters together to create a novel that is very entertaining that has twist and turns to keep the most jaded reader interested.Very good work.I hope that Mr. Goldman can keep these books fresh and interesting,that he let's Lou grow as a man and a attorney.

A Lou Mason thriller, it said on the cover. I survived to the end of Chapter 3 and gave up. Confusing characters, boring story line. Nothing to grab me. Thankfully, I didnt pay for it. Every silver lining has a cloud, as they say.

Lou Mason is always worth a read. A light hearted yet compulsive read. Won't keep you awake at night but the Lou Mason books always leave you feeling like justice has been served......the way he serves it is unique to him. If these books are free or on special offer I will always opt for one of them.

I really enjoyed all the twists and turns in this plot. This is a story about murder and political agenda and the main character Mason trying to work his way to find an answer to help his client.

A good plot with good characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Although this was not a book that had me on the edge of my seat it was still quite entertaining and well worth reading.

Never disappointed with a Lou Mason thriller, and I wasn't with this one. Well constructed story with the right amount of suspense and excitement. Looking forward to Lou's next case.