Hate Crime

By: William Bernhardt

Narrated by: Paul Boehmer

Best-selling author William Bernhardt is an unsurpassed master at blending psychological suspense with gripping, surprise-filled legal action. Now, Bernhardt and his crusading attorney Ben Kincaid return in a thrilling story of love, hate, and the power of a courtroom to separate deception from the truth.

In Tulsa, Ben Kincaid has built a national reputation as a stalwart defense attorney who will fight tirelessly for his clients. In Evanston, Illinois, Johnny Christensen has built a national reputation as a sadistic bigot who beat and stabbed a gay man and left him to die. When Johnny's mother comes to Ben and begs him to defend her son, he has one secret reason for saying no.

But while Ben turns down the case, his younger, beautiful partner, Christina McCall, does not. Traveling to Chicago and facing an explosion of controversy and deadly violence surrounding the trial, Christina steps into a case that is already nearly lost. Her client's only defense is his claim that he left his victim bludgeoned but alive. To prove that someone else committed the actual murder, Christina needs a little bit of evidence - and a good motive to go with it.

When unforeseen circumstances force Ben Kincaid to enter the trial, the defense attorney sees only one way to prove Johnny's innocence. But Ben's plan means luring a killer out of the woodwork - even though he may kill again....

A novel of gut-wrenching twists and surprises, this thriller brilliantly explores the passions between lovers and the passions behind society's most heinous crimes. Once again, the remarkable William Bernhardt makes us challenge every assumption, second-guess every judgment, and feel the terror of the truth.

©2005 William Bernhardt (P)2005 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Bernhardt offers another good read, full of courtroom fireworks, double-crosses, and even a bit of romance." (Publishers Weekly)

“Electrifying...a must read...kudos to Bernhardt for daring to go where angels fear to tread.” (Tulsa World)

“[Bernhardt is] master of the legal thriller." (Abilene Reporter-News)

“[Hate Crime] has it all...[it's] a page-turner and is definitely William Bernhardt at his best." (Times Record News)

didn't like the twist

I really enjoyed the book, even though it brought alot of anger out in mean. But I suppose that is what the book was suppose to do. The only thing I didn't like was the twist.

Great series for lovers of courtroom dramas

This author never disappoints you. He writes excellent procedurals with trials that are intriguing and full of surprising twists, albeit twists that occasionally stretch one's credulity a bit. This book is great except for the ending which leaves a few ends dangling; annoying, but doesn't spoil the book. That being said, the book is riveting and the characters are memorable. The crime is chilling and the defendant is not warm or fuzzy. In fact, one of the things that makes the book so interesting is that the defendant is thoroughly evil. Read the whole series. If you like procedurals, these are excellent.

Engrossing, Great surprise ending

This was a great book. It was somewhat difficult on the front end to get all of the characters straight, in fact at times I relistened to some of the parts. Once I understood who all of the players were, I really got interested in the story.

Just when I thought I had the story all figured out, it took a surprise turn. Then I thought the story was over and it took yet another turn.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Very Good - definitely SAD!

This kept me riveted and the story was well narrated but it was sad! Why and how can 'Trumper'izim be so hateful! This type of behavior and beliefs are so abhorrent!

Trite, cliche ridden, and a waste.

I really don't know what made me choose this book, but I would like to help others from making the same foolish choice. The characters were unlikeable, and unbelievable, the plot was ridiculous and the story is riddled with hack cliches. I gave it one star but it deserves none. The reader does a credible job with a stupid story.