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THE BOOKS
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The Impossible Mock Orange Trial
1st Book Summary
Ted Born and a young untested associate were called upon to defend a tough – seemingly impossible – lawsuit in one of the most challenging county courts in the United States. The facts looked bad: the client was a tire manufacturer of a tire that blew out, followed by a vehicular crash resulting in a child’s death, a brain injury for another child and other serious injuries. The dead and injured were all African American residents of a county where juries were all or mostly African Americans, with a history of rendering verdicts in generally millions of dollars in favor of local residents against big out-of-state corporations, even in minor cases. The case leads through a labyrinth of mystery and intrigue no one could have imagined as the trial date of a BIG one looms.This tense and high-octane drama explosively confronts the meaning of justice in the context or right-and-wrong, corporate and personal responsibilities, sympathy and objectivity, racial relations, and our judicial system as a means of resolving countervailing positions with their heavy emotional baggage. It dissects the moral character of jurors thrust, through no choice of their own, into a web of competing angels and demons that vie to influence their verdict – with an unexpected twist at the end that rocks all precedents.
Product Details
Book Genre – Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Crime
Page Length – 612 Pages
ISBN – 1735782513
Book Reviews
True Masterpiece!
The Impossible Mock Orange Trial” is a legal thriller that stands as a true masterpiece within the genre, offering readers an enthralling journey into the high-stakes world of courtroom drama. This novel, penned with exceptional skill and a captivating narrative, immerses its audience in a complex and suspenseful legal battle that is nothing short of breathtaking.
At the heart of this narrative is the captivating story of a seemingly unwinnable trial. The plaintiff’s case appears rock-solid, with all the odds seemingly stacked against the defense. The vivid portrayal of this seemingly impossible scenario grabs the reader’s attention from the very beginning and refuses to let go. The tension and suspense build steadily throughout the book, resulting in a narrative that is as thrilling as it is immersive.
What truly sets “The Impossible Mock Orange Trial” apart is its ability to draw the reader into the courtroom, creating an experience that feels authentic and “you are there.” The authors brilliantly capture the inner workings of a high-stakes trial, offering a rare glimpse into the intricacies of legal strategy, courtroom dynamics, and the relentless pursuit of justice. It’s a narrative that unfolds with remarkable precision and accuracy, making it stand out in the realm of legal fiction.
The character development in this novel is nothing short of remarkable. Each character, from the tenacious defense attorney to the determined plaintiff’s legal team, is intricately crafted with depth and complexity. Readers will find themselves emotionally invested in the lives, struggles, and motivations of these characters, creating a profound connection that adds to the overall richness of the story.
One of the novel’s standout features is its dedication to exploring the legal intricacies of the case. The authors provide a comprehensive and authentic portrayal of the legal world, delving into matters such as evidentiary rules, courtroom procedure, and the multifaceted nature of justice. This level of detail elevates the story beyond mere entertainment, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the legal system and its nuances.
“The Impossible Mock Orange Trial” is more than just a courtroom drama; it’s a reflection on the human condition, the pursuit of truth, and the power of storytelling. It challenges readers to question their own biases and assumptions, leading to a reevaluation of their stance on the case as it unfolds. The narrative’s thought-provoking elements are a testament to the depth and intelligence with which it is crafted.
In conclusion, “The Impossible Mock Orange Trial” is a legal masterpiece that deserves a place among the most celebrated works in the genre. Its meticulous attention to detail, realistic portrayal of the legal world, and relentless suspense make it a must-read for fans of courtroom dramas and anyone who appreciates a finely woven narrative. This book transcends the boundaries of legal fiction, offering a story that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. With its compelling storytelling and rich character development, it is a triumph of literary artistry that will leave a lasting impression on readers.
– Tanesha Cullivan
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Textbook Lawyering.
Though a work of fiction, this book draws on the author’s decades of experience as a trial attorney to describe the anatomy of a complex trial resulting from the tragic crash of a van into a mock orange (hence the title) tree. The Preface concludes by saying that he is writing to illuminate “issues critical to justice in our courts, and what civil justice really means.” In what may be a more important lesson, I would add that justice often needs an assist, and this book illustrates how from really first-rate lawyering. This is a textbook on how to try a case, and how thorough preparation and clear presentation can make complex issues simple and accessible.
– Peter W. Low
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A wonderfully written, interesting, informative legal thriller!
If you are looking for a great and wonderfully written legal thriller and do not mind staying awake into the night to keep reading, then this book is for you. The author brings the characters to life. The legal, social, racial, and economic issues involved in the case are thoughtfully examined. There is just so much to this book. Looking forward to more writing from Thad Long.
– LG
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A gripping story of the law, justice, internal turmoil, and human nature
– Mies
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Excellent and Intriguing Legal Novel!
– Dave
The Vow: Ted Born’s Last Trial
2nd Book Summary
This is the second of a series of “Ted Born” novels involving a fictitious lawyer who happens to attract very challenging lawsuits, a sequel to the other recently released Ted Born novel, “The Impossible Mock Orange Trial,” this time set some fifteen years later than the events of that first release. Ted finds himself a defendant against claims that could ruin him financially and destroy his personal and professional reputation, involving his succeeding the deceased brother of his impaired but wealthy philanthropist client, Alexander Carr, as manager of the client’s affairs. A judge who seems likely to preside over the upcoming trial seems skeptical of Born’s position, and possibly hostile. To complicate matters further, Born’s own law firm, and his Firm’s malpractice insurance carrier, are unhappy with this messy situation and want Born to get out of the case. With the client’s family seemingly united against Born, his own law firm pressuring him to get out of the case, and facing a trial before an unfavorable judge, Born has to decide what course to take in accordance with his own values and ethics. This case raises questions about professional responsibility and basic right and wrong in the context of the vulnerable population of older persons whose longstanding estate planning efforts are in jeopardy due to members of their own families who are intent on scuttling the wishes and plans of the testator and substituting their own ideas. The book takes the reader through contentious trial preparations and the trial itself, with the aftermath effect on Born and on the members of the Carr family, attorneys, and others involved in the case.
Product Details
Book Genre – Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Crime
Page Length – 306 Pages
ASIN – B09B7WBBTH
Book Reviews
An Eye Opener of what can happen!
If you are planning for your future or that of a loved one, this is a must-read. Things we never could imagine may go wrong. We would all like to have a “Ted Born” on our side. G.M.
– Glenda McPherson
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A Perfect Sequel!
THE VOW is the perfect sequel to THE IMPOSSIBLE MOCK ORANGE TRIAL. It exposes yet another one of our country’s societal ills – the attempts by family members to take advantage of the elderly when it comes to estate planning for their own benefit. Mr. Long once again has created a legal thriller that is wonderfully written, informative, interesting, and hard to put down. Would love to see more from this author!
– LG
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Great story about legal obligations and ethics vs taking the easy exit that the majority supports
Thanks, Thad (Mr. Long) for a 2nd great story. Sharing the perseverance of pursuing a promise for no other reason than it’s the right thing to do. I think many can apply this story to some of their own experiences when the right decision may not be the most popular.
– Brian Carolan
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Paperback Price:
$12.90
Hardcover Price:
$23.95
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Paperback Price:
$12.50
Hardcover Price:
$23.27
Death at Helicon Heights
4th Book Summary
This novel, the fourth of the author’s Ted Born Classic Courtroom Trials series, follows talented Constance Stanfield, young mother of two beautiful children, in her effort to expand the appreciation of beautiful lace, and delicate hand sewing and embroidery within her community and beyond. Steeped in her love of ancient Greek culture, Constance lives in a Greek Revival columned home at what she calls Helicon Heights, commemorating Mt. Helicon in Greece where the winged horse Pegasus touched down and caused springs of water to gush up, which the Muses regarded as sacred – Muses who shared their love of beauty with humanity. Pegasus tried to fly up to Mt. Olympus but never made it and later became the custodian of Zeus’ lightning bolts and eventually a constellation.
Constance had a crucially important associate in her lace enterprise who abruptly abandons the deal after Constance has sunk a lot of borrowed money in it. After much resistance to explaining why she abandoned Constance, the associate reveals she has seen a dark, mysterious dream vision about Constance that foretells her tragic demise. Constance hires Ted Born to help her get compensated for the loss, and Ted successfully represents her, though he and Constance both know the former associate has limited ability to pay the true damages she has caused. Thus, crippled financially at the beginning and lacking the personal participation of her former key associate, Constance’s enterprise fails to achieve its goals, and the financial situation gets progressively worse. Constance’s husband is not supportive of Constance during her difficult times, going from indifference to criticism to hostility and infidelity. Constance continues throughout the story to seek Born’s advice about problems she faces, both corporate and personal, and their communications provide critical parts of the plot. At one point, Constance tries to salvage her business through an arrangement with a startup venture featuring synthetic or simulated lace, but that initiative proves to be of limited help in the long run.
Product Details
Book Genre – Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Crime
Page Length – 234 Pages
ISBN – 173578253X
Book Reviews
An education and a thrilling ride!
The preface alone is a wise depiction of the judicial system and its personalities. The intricacies wisely woven into the story do not overshadow the story but rather complement and add much. An interesting and informative read from an astute practitioner.
– Paul S.
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Another Legal Novel Winner!
This is a prequel to two earlier novels by this author. All of his books clearly describe the intricacies and realities of our legal system through the eyes of an experienced trial lawyer who clearly has a deep respect for and real-world day-to-day understanding of it. All three of his novels depict the rewards, frustrations,
and day to day suspense that dedicated attorneys must deal with to serve their clients. And, all are very enjoyable and entertaining!
– Dave
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Great Legal Insight!
Nice read, particularly as a prequel to the authors 2 other books.
– William J.
The Jury has a Verdict!
3rd Book Summary
The Jury Has a Verdict! is a third of a trilogy of legal Courtroom dramas/thrillers featuring fictitious attorney Ted Born, and it is a prequel to the first two: The Impossible Mock Orange Trial and The Vow: Ted Born’s Last Trial. While denominated as Courtroom dramas/thrillers, all three of the books narrate the struggles of an ethical lawyer trying to achieve his conception of justice for his clients, often in the face of heavy odds against him. In his efforts, he of course must deal with opposing counsel and opposing parties, juries, and Judges. The present work focuses on Ted Born’s interactions with Judges and juries, exploring several different experiences as he strives to achieve justice for his clients. The title comes from the moment when lawyers and their clients are waiting anxiously while the jury is deliberating the verdict, after often years of preparation and lengthy trial, and the bailiff finally comes to them and says, “The jury has a verdict! Please return to the courtroom,” Ultimately, the reader must ponder the question, What is justice? as the narratives lay out the competing ways of viewing the facts and jury verdicts in high-stakes litigation.
Product Details
Book Genre – Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Fiction, Crime
Page Length – 296 Pages
ASIN – B0B8153XHH
Book Reviews
An education and a thrilling ride!
The preface alone is a wise depiction of the judicial system and its personalities. The intricacies wisely woven into the story do not overshadow the story but rather complement and add much. An interesting and informative read from an astute practitioner.
– Paul S.
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Another Legal Novel Winner!
This is a prequel to two earlier novels by this author. All of his books clearly describe the intricacies and realities of our legal system through the eyes of an experienced trial lawyer who clearly has a deep respect for and real-world day-to-day understanding of it. All three of his novels depict the rewards, frustrations,
and day to day suspense that dedicated attorneys must deal with to serve their clients. And, all are very enjoyable and entertaining!
– Dave
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Great Legal Insight!
Nice read, particularly as a prequel to the authors 2 other books.
– William J.
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Paperback Price:
$14.99
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Kindle Price:
$2.99
Paperback Price:
$9.00
Affectionately, Frances
Book Recommendation!
A great bonus is this book by the author’s wife, Carolyn Wilson Long – “Affectionately Frances.” This is not fiction but tales drawn from letters of the author’s aunt, Frances Harris Baker, who worked with the U.S. Foreign Service and Voice of America in the years following World War II. Mrs. Baker’s writing is colorful and often hilarious as she describes her experiences, such as being offered the purchase of a mongoose “to keep the cobras away.” But there are also frightening scenes of living through the guns and bullets of conflicts in Lebanon. Not a long book, but captivating. Frances always signed her letters home, “Affectionately Frances.” This book is not only entertaining and well-written; it also reminds us what the world beyond the United States was like in the aftermath of World War II.
Product Details
Book Genre – Biographies & Memoir, Culture & Community
Page Length – 124 Pages
Book Reviews
Loved Francis!
I feel as though Francis has become a good friend. Would love to have “read” more of her actual letters. What a courageous woman when it was a time when women were expected to be at home. She is a testament to all women.
– Lynn Hanna
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Worth a Read!
I highly recommend this brief but crisp narrative stitching together the life of an extraordinary woman. A surprise in a small package that is humorous as well as insightful. We all need an Aunt Frances.
– LG
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Excellent Read!
Outstanding read. Provides insight into. Some very interesting times that we mood to remember.
– Albert Folcher