Lethal Defense

Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller Series, Book 1

By: Michael Stagg

Narrated by: George Newbern

A client savagely kills a man to protect a friend. A lawyer with secrets must prove it was justified.

Attorney Nate Shepherd left a big firm to go out on his own. He sees nothing but opportunity when an out-of-town lawyer wants to hire him as local counsel on a high-profile murder case. Though his family worries that the case hits too close to home, Nate joins the defense team.

When circumstances force him to take on a bigger role, Nate ignores his family’s fears and throws himself into his client’s defense. But as he digs deeper, every aspect of the case raises memories of a terrible event that Nate has tried his best to bury.

Battling an aggressive prosecutor in court and a dogged reporter outside it, Nate fights to prove that his client’s brutal, bloody slaying of an evil victim was right. But when Nate’s own story is exposed, it threatens his client’s freedom...and Nate’s carefully constructed life. Can he fend off his own demons long enough to save his client?

This is the first book in the gripping Nate Shepherd Legal Thriller series. If you like razor-sharp dialogue, iron-willed characters, and slippery moral quandaries, then you’ll love this fierce courtroom drama.

©2020 Michael Stagg (P)2020 Podium Audio

Fantastic

I don't leave reviews very often, mainly because I'm right on to my next book. I'm leaving a review for Lethal Defense, because it was riveting. I was hooked from chapter one and it never slowed down. The narration was epic, the characters superb and the story was enthralling. I'm so looking forward to the next book in this series!

Spectacular

This new series was a fantastic find! Just found this author while looking for books narrated by George Newbern. I liked it very much and listened to the whole book in only a few nights. The writing flowed well, and the characters were excellent. The author makes the book interesting while throwing in just the right amount of humor. Michael Stagg's new series is binge-worthy material. I will begin listening to "True Intent," the second in the series tonight. George Newbern's narration was exceptional for this book.

Love the cool male vibe

Well-crafted story revolves around a rock band murder and a masterful legal defense. Yet, this piece is not over the top. I was expecting it to devolve into over-sexualized wild rock star antics but it was very classy. The physical descriptions of both men and women were appropriate to the situation. One courtroom scene a witness refers to breasts as "guns" in a joking manner, otherwise mild). Overall the story contains mostly admirable, strong female characters and strong male lead. Parents should be aware rock star drug/drinking habits and attire such as leather pants are mentioned throughout due to the nature of the court case but not glorified. The murder was particularly gruesome but the details were relevant to the case. I thoroughly enjoyed the lead male character who skillfully manages a parade of complex personalities to extract a fair outcome for his client. His tone was down-to-earth with an accessible thought process. I enjoyed being led through the legal process and it was a learning experience. This story did not have any strong romance, love, sex scenes and it wasn't missed. Next time please leave out the capstone pig roast, this vegetarian can't handle it. The narrator was perfect for this story, he really nailed it. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

Good book

I liked the book and i would recommend.
Not much swearing and no wasted pages on relationship drama. I was slightly disappointed how the author ended the book.It wasn’t bad but I was expecting a little more .

Compelling listen

This was a great listen one that would have you sit in your car after you’ve arrived at your destination to here just a little bit more and bring you back the next time you turned it on.

Love it

I fell in love with Hank. Glad Lizzie didn’t “step into the dark side,”Dreamgirls tribute.

Nice easy listen

Loved the narrator, and the story line is easy and fun to listen to. Nothing too gripping- but I enjoyed it very much :)

This is worth your time!

This a great story by Michael Stagg. I’m a first time listener/reader and found this story and writing very entertaining. George Newbern narrates this story/book like he was the actual character in the book. I already ordered the next book in the series before i finished this story! Enjoyed! .

Better then your typical legal thriller

I found this novel to be very moving and timely.
A truly believable story with a current theme which plays out in real life daily.

Excellent

Glad I found this author. This is a real page turner. Excellent book! Highly recommend.