Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Saturday, December 13, 2014

Book Review: The Borzoi Killings

I was provided a copy of this book for review purposes only.

The Borzoi Killings is set in the Hamptons amongst the rich and even richer. It delves into the underbelly that exists there: drugs, sex, murder, police corruption and extreme indulgences.  The human factor is only partially discussed.

This author is a famous attorney; therefore much of the discussions revolve around court room drama and the fate of the defendant.

It was a great read up until the last two chapters. I felt as if there was a thread missing to jump to the conclusions that were the result of the end. There were also many other threads left dangling throughout the book.

I would recommend this book anyway, just expect the ending to disappoint.



There’s something rotten in Easthampton…
Renowned Defense Attorney Concocts Exciting Legal Thriller

Astor+Blue Editions is thrilled to release respected defense attorney Paul Batista’s latest thriller, The Borzoi Killings: a daring novel with addicting legal drama and a shocking twist ending.  (ISBNs: 978-1-938231-99-5 paperback, 978-1-941286-00-5 ePub, 978-1-941286-01-2 ePDF; list price $14.95 paperback, $5.99 eBook; pub date November 10th, 2014.)

Batista is a veteran not only in the practice of law but also in writing brilliant legal thrillers. His first two books, Death’s Witness and Extraordinary Rendition, have been critically acclaimed and have established tremendous rapport with readers. The Borzoi Killings is no exception to audiences’ high expectations. Set in the elite, exclusive Easthampton, this novel mixes all the twists of sensational courtroom drama with all the “dirty little secrets” of the Hampton lifestyles: lavish parties, sex, drugs, corruption, and more.

When the 10th richest man in the world is brutally murdered along with his prized Borzoi dogs in a luxurious East Hampton beach house, only one man is suspected of committing the crime: Juan Suarez, a handsome, charismatic—and illegal—Mexican immigrant who worked for the victim.

Now, renowned trail lawyer Raquel Rematti must take on the defense of the man the media has dubbed, "The Blade of the Hamptons." Not only must she take on one of the wealthiest families in the country, she must protect Suarez and herself from ruthless people bent on lethal revenge, while straddling the dangerous line between concerned involvement and forbidden passion for her client.






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About the Author

Paul Batista, novelist and television personality, is one of the most widely known trial lawyers in the country. As a trial attorney, he specializes in federal criminal litigation. As a media figure, he is known for his regular appearances as guest legal commentator on a variety of television shows including, Court TV, CNN, HLN and WNBC. He’s also appeared in the HBO movie, You Don't Know Jack, starring Al Pacino. These contacts will be used in promotion.
A prolific writer, Batista authored the leading treatise on the primary federal anti-racketeering statute, Civil RICO Practice Manual, which is now in its third edition (Wiley & Sons, 1987; Wolters Kluwer, 2008). He has written articles for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The National Law Journal.
Batista's debut novel, Death's Witness, was awarded a Silver Medal by the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA). Batista is a graduate of Bowdoin College, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa, and Cornell Law School. He’s proud to have served in the United States Army.
Paul Batista lives in New York City and Sag Harbor, New York.
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Advanced Praise

The Borzoi Killings is one fine book indeed, keeping you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Just when you think you have it all figured out, Paul Batista surprises you again and then all over again…right up to the last page. Hold on to your hat – you’re in for a great ride!” (Rikki Klieman, Legal Analyst; author of Fairy Tales Can Come True)

“Paul Batista has done it again. Through the eyes of criminal defense attorney Raquel Rematti, you’ll see the criminal justice system laid bare. The book is truly 'shock and awe.' A must read.” (Lis Wiehl, New York Times Bestselling Author)

“The Borzoi Killings is Paul Batista’s newest entry into the world of high-powered murder/coutroom mysteries. From the brutal murder that leaps off of the first pages, through the twists and turns of the investigation, and the drama of the trial, Batista channels an insider’s knowledge of crime nad punishment, together with a craftsman’s creation of compelling characters, into a page-turning, thrilling, and ultimately shocking journey. A must read!” (Jack Ford, author of The Walls of Jericho, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television journalist)




Friday, September 12, 2014

Book Review Friday - Extraordinary Rendition

I was asked by Astor+Blue if I would like to read and review a novel by Paul Batista. I read their press release and I was hooked!

To say the very least about this novel - the twists and turns never stop coming and I have to admit that once it was done I felt like I had been on a roller coaster for days! I love reading novels that make you stop and think, "Could this be real?"

Definitely a must read!



Extraordinary Rendition
Novel Based on Constitutional Controversy Delivers Complex Thrills


“Batista does it again when international intrigue collides with murder in Extraordinary Rendition! A high -priced Wall Street lawyer gets the shock of a lifetime...  law school never prepared him for this!  It's a fast ride--buckle up!"

--Nancy Grace, Attorney, TV Personality and New York Times Bestselling Author of Death on the D-List


When Ali Hussein, suspected terrorist and alleged banker for Al Qaeda, is finally transported from Guantanamo Bay to the US mainland to stand trial, many are stunned when Byron Carlos Johnson, a pre-eminent lawyer and son of a high-profile diplomat, volunteers to represent him.  On principle, Johnson thought he was merely defending a man unjustly captured through Rendition and water-boarded illegally. But Johnson soon learns that there is much more at stake than one man’s civil rights.

Hussein’s intimate knowledge of key financial transactions could lead to the capture of—or the unabated funding of—the world’s most dangerous terror cells.  This makes Hussein the target of corrupt US intelligence forces on one side, and ruthless international terrorists on the other.  And, it puts Byron Carlos Johnson squarely in the crosshairs of both.

Pulled irresistibly by forces he can and cannot see, Johnson enters a lethal maze of espionage, manipulation, legal traps and murder. And when his life, his love, and his acclaimed principles are on the line, Johnson may have one gambit left that can save them all; a play that even his confidants could not have anticipated. He must become the hunter among hunters in the deadliest game.

Written by no-holds-barred-attorney Paul Batista, Extraordinary Rendition excels not only as an action thriller, but as a sophisticated legal procedural as well; tearing the curtains away from the nation’s most controversial issues.

Provocative. Smart. Heart-pounding. A legal thriller of the highest order.

Buy it here:


·         Amazon: http://amzn.to/XdbrYp
·         B&N: http://bit.ly/1ns9goE
·         Astor+Blue: http://bit.ly/1kwDo7K



Friday, September 5, 2014

Book Review Friday - New Orleans Requiem

Have you ever picked up a book that sucks you in from the first chapter? Has it been a while? Fear not.... I have the perfect book for you to put on your reading list.



I was approached by Astor + Blue to see if I would be interested in reading and reviewing a Puzzling and Plump New Orleans Murder.  Investigating an unusual murder in which the victim was left with four board-game tiles on his chest, New Orleans medical examiner Andy Broussard and psychologist Kit Franklyn realize that they are the next targets.

Donaldson does such a great job of creating a scenery, story and mystery with such a twist at the end that even this seasoned mystery reader was surprised. The characters come to life within the sites and sounds of New Orleans. I would highly recommend this book.



Buy now on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1x1PivM 
Buy now on Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/Z4GWVk 
Read more about NEW ORLEANS REQUIEM on DJ Donaldson's website: http://dondonaldson.com/books/new-orleans-requiem/ 
Visit Astor and Blue Editions: http://astorandblue.com/