In Ultimate Verdict, “Mike has created a engaging cast of secret society members who close loopholes in the system using their own brand of vigilante justice. After years on the “right” side of the law their compelling arguments for stepping over the line may get you to struggle with some of your own demons, as you discover your Ultimate Verdict.”
—Blair H.Clark, Author
“I took it (Ultimate Verdict) on vacation with me and finished it in 2 days. It was fantastic! Better than any Grisham book I have read. Fantastic twist ending and excellent portrayal of the legal thriller. What a movie it would make!”
—A. Rossabi, Attorney
“Ultimate Verdict is a Page Turner – 5 Stars: All I read are legal thrillers. This was one of the best out of about 15,000. That’s not an exaggeration. You will normally guess the ending.”
—Ted Kerrz, Amazon Reader
Ultimate Deception makes you wonder, “Is Judge Raleigh Westlake a principled man seeking justice for those who found none through the courts? Or a reckless vigilante? Is state’s attorney Caroline Bannister trying to avenge her sister’s death? Or is there more to the story. The two are embroiled in a dangerous game which becomes explosive when they cross paths with a Russian-trained operative bent on destruction. I was immediately hooked with this sharp, smart, and suspenseful thriller. Such a fantasticly twisty plot and fantastic characters. Pick this one up and go along for a deliciously thrilling ride.”
– Joanne O’Sullivan, Amazon Reader
“I read this (Ultimate Series) trilogy from beginning to end. The author captured my attention from the first page of Book 1 to the last page of book 3. Lots of twists and surprises. A great mix of emotions, supplied from terror filled pages to suspenseful conclusions. Read all 3 books!
– JBS, Amazon Reader
“I really enjoyed all three Ultimate Series books from Michael… When The China Play was released, I was quick to purchase and begin reading. It’s obvious that lots of research and experience went into this book. Michael shines an entertaining light on an issue most Americans are unaware of. Nice work, I’m already looking forward to his next book.”
– J. Sinnott, Amazon Reader
“The China Play was a wonderful and thrilling read. Not only that but it shines a light on a growing and serious issue that our country faces with foreign purchases of land as the author notes “the size of Iowa”. I thought the characters were well developed and believable and lots of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. I highly recommend this book.”
—Phil Blake, Amazon Reader
“Just finished The China Play, and I have to say—Michael Winstead has done it again. This legal thriller’s foundation is so unique, it kept me enthralled. I had to read on to see how Hitch would find and fight the faceless malevolent foe preying on Georgia farm owners. I wasn’t disappointed—the novel was exciting to the final page. If you love Connelly or Grisham, you’ll love Winstead’s imaginative take on how the legal system could be highjacked to suit the agenda of foreign enemies.”
—LHarris, Amazon Reader
The following review of Ultimate Verdict was posted on Amazon. These kind words are the very thing an author hopes for when toiling away, late at night, hoping that the story and characters come across as intended. It struck a cord in my heart, which is not as dark as some may think. –Michael Winstead.
“Just finished reading my first Michael Winstead novel, Ultimate Verdict. His character development reads like an in depth picture of the person. You “see” them in a paragraph. No need for height, weight, eye color, etc. The circumstance not unusual, and I would have been happy just reading about the usual vigilante scenario. I’m pretty good at subconsciously guessing where a story is headed, and get mad when an ending doesn’t match up with the “clues”. It wasn’t until the last two pages that I got it… and it brought a smile to my face. “Of course”.
This author also has bypassed superfluous words and descriptions whose intention are to make the book reach the “necessary” 350+ pages that so many books now ascribe. I deplore that.
If you love legal intricacies, great character development, plausible scenarios and “can’t put it down” novels….. do not read any more reviews. GET THIS BOOK.”
—Aleta Detwiler, Amazon Reader
“Ultimate Verdict by Michael Winstead is a suspenseful novel exploring the theme of ‘vigilante justice’ with an original twist – a judge bent on delivering justice for victims when the system fails to punish the criminals.
Launching the novel is an irresistible opening sentence: “On the last day of her life, Hannah Sullivan had a decision to make.” Within the next two pages, the author delivers a succinct, powerful introduction to a young woman who suffers a nasty mountain-biking crash, dusts herself up, and perseveres uphill: “As she crested Mount Pisgah, the snow began to drift down in big, wet tufts. She lifted her hands from the handle bar and above her head, the gesture of a champion in a race against herself.” Once she has captivated readers’ hearts, Hannah becomes the ‘instigating victim’ and perseveres long after her violent death in providing a moral anchor to events that would otherwise test our credulity.
The novel centers on Raleigh Westlake, a federal judge in North Carolina, whose by-the-book path is disrupted by his outrage at the appeals court’s decision to release Hannah’s murderer, whom he had sentenced to death for the brutal killing. With an uncanny insistence on proper procedure, the judge creates a parallel justice system (reminiscent of the old ‘Frontier Justice’ reality) with team of likeminded lawyers-vigilantes. The proceedings take place in aptly described secret courtrooms: “Judge Westlake scanned the small room. An American flag draped a brass pole in the front corner. Maroon carpet concealed a pitted plywood floor. Brown sound-dampening panels lined the walls and ceiling of the trailer. Elevated insignificantly above the proceedings, the Judge nestled behind a small desk in a black nylon robe. Not his official robe, but one purchased at a costume store, complete with a white wig reminiscent of those worn by English barristers or constitutional statesmen.” Add qualified counsel and a pair of US Marshals to deliver the ultimate punishment, and an alternate justice system becomes operational—and mightily efficient. But when the group elevates its game and brings a prominent politician to clandestine justice, the intensity of the story heats considerably—and trouble ensues.
Author Michael Winstead excels at weaving philosophical questions of good and evil into realistic legal, professional and human conflicts. The cast of characters is well developed, alive and very human. The main character gains credibility with a passionate sense of fairness wrapped up in borderline obsessive physical exercise (running) and the corresponding can-do personality. The plot is rich with creative twists and blind turns, leading to a satisfying (and surprising) conclusion that ties up closely with the original crime and the initial injustice that propelled the judge and his team into action.
In summary, for lovers of crime novels and courtroom drama, Ultimate Verdict by Michael Winstead delivers an exciting story that moves along without getting stuck in legal humdrum, builds up suspense and intensity, and makes us think hard and feel deeply while we turn the pages. Highly recommended!
—Avraham Azrieli, TheColumbiaReview.com
http://www.thecolumbiareview.com/ultimate-verdict-michael-winstead/
If Michael Winstead’s works have resonated with you, please take a moment to submit a review on Amazon or leave your comments on this site’s Contacts page. Thank you.
MICHAEL WINSTEAD 