Violent Crimes: An Amanda Jaffe Novel

In this mesmerizing tale of suspense from New York Times bestselling author Phillip Margolin, attorney Amanda Jaffe—star of Wild Justice, Ties That Bind, Proof Positive, and Fugitive—becomes entangled in a murder case involving Big Oil, an estranged father and son, and the greatest ethical dilemma of her career .

Dale Masterson, senior partner in a large Portland, Oregon, law firm, has become wealthy and successful representing the interests of oil and coal companies. When his colleague, Christine Larson, is found dead, Masterson’s business practices are put under surveillance and a lower-level employee stands accused.

The controversy surrounding the firm is magnified tenfold when Dale is found beaten to death in his mansion. But this time Dale’s son, Brandon, is seen fleeing the scene. A dedicated eco-warrior obsessed with saving the planet, Brandon confesses to killing his father—for revenge, he claims—on behalf of all the people whose lives are being destroyed by his father’s questionable clients.

Veteran lawyer Amanda Jaffe is hired to represent Brandon, but what seems like an open-and-shut case quickly begins to unravel. If Brandon is really innocent—a radical activist determined to martyr himself for his cause—then who viciously murdered Dale Masterson? And what, if any, is the connection between his murder and the murder of Christine Larson? Smart, fierce, and unafraid of the truth even if it puts her in danger, Amanda begins to look deeper. What she finds will force the seasoned legal pro to make the hardest professional decision of her life.

Dale Masterson, a wealthy lawyer who has built a career representing coal and oil companies, has enemies—including his own son, Brandon, a fanatical eco-warrior who despises everything his father stands for.

When Dale is found beaten to death, Brandon is spotted fleeing the scene. He confesses to the murder, proclaiming it an act of revenge against his father’s controversial clients. Veteran attorney Amanda Jaffe is hired to represent him, but what seems like an open-and-shut case quickly begins to unravel.

Weeks before Dale’s death, a colleague at his large law firm was also the victim of a violent killing. A junior employee stands accused of Christine Larson’s murder, but in the aftermath, questions emerge about the firm’s business practices—as well as evidence of Dale’s involvement in some troubling irregularities. Amanda suspects Brandon may not be telling the truth, but if he didn’t kill his father, who did?

Smart, fierce, and unafraid of confronting the truth, even if doing so puts her in danger, Amanda begins to dig deeper. What she finds will force her to make the hardest professional decision of her life.

Performed by Thérèse Plummer

Praise for Fugitive: “The latest in his string of reliably exciting and fast-moving legal thrillers.” - Seattle Times

Praise for Proof Positive: “Entertaining. . . . A plot set on full boil. . . . All will enjoy following the resourceful Amanda as she puts the puzzle pieces together.” - Publishers Weekly

Praise for Ties That Bind: “Mesmerizing. . . . It’ll rope you in with its secret tapes, bribes, blackmail, sins of the past, and beautiful plot twists.” - People

Praise for Wild Justice: “What good storytelling is all about. Skillful plotting, good writing, an excellent cast of characters.” - Nelson DeMille

“Twisted and brilliant.” - Chicago Tribune