Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Rich Waters by Robert Bailey Narrator: Joe Knezevich
Series: Jason Rich #2
Published by Brilliance Audio on June 20, 2023
Genres: Mystery
Length: 14 hours, 10 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible
Now that attorney Jason Rich has returned home to Guntersville, Alabama, the “In an accident? Get rich!” lawyer is anxious to leave his checkered past behind. Jason hopes this next chapter in his life will be a chance to confront his personal troubles while making amends with his family.
But when a former high school football star stands accused of killing a police officer, Jason is unwillingly thrust into the chaos. The local meth king blackmails Jason into defending the alleged murderer, and Jason knows he can’t refuse. With the lives of his family and closest friends on the line, he takes the obviously unwinnable case.
As Jason dives into the investigation, he vows to dismantle the meth empire gripping his hometown. But as he confronts alternative suspects and follows new leads, Jason realizes that everyone has secrets to hide and interests to protect—at any cost.
Rich Waters is the second book in the Jason Rich series. I got the first book Rich Blood as a first read from Prime. The books are available in Kindle Unlimited including audio. I would read the series in order for both the character developments and the changing issues in the small Alabama community.
Jason Rich is a lawyer. His father wanted him to be a lawyer and join his practice. Instead, he set up his own practice in personal injury and has been extremely successful. When the series begins, his father has recently died. Jason has been in rehab for alcohol for the past 90 days. His sister, Jana, calls him because she has been arrested on suspicion of murder of her husband.
Jason has a fantastic partner, and investigator, and he doesn’t want to take his sister’s case but he is pushed into it and succeeds with hard work and some luck. Now there is a new murder, of a local cop, and the local drug lord is again threatening him to take the case or he will hurt his family and friends.
Jason is on his second trial of criminal defense, staying sober, and finding success as a trial lawyer. He is talented at finding good mentors and reasonable doubt for his clients. But he is under extreme pressure by blackmail and out of his depth in researching criminals and protecting his people even with all his money.
I really appreciated Jason’s intelligent investigation and legal strategies to provide defense to his clients. He is developing into a great trial lawyer and enjoying it more than he thought he would. In spite of the bar association, riding him for his difficulties as an alcoholic, which he has rectified. I felt badly at how much he loses when he has worked very hard and honestly for others.
Rich Waters is suspenseful and dangerous. Jason undergoes many changes, learning experiences and much danger, and some biased treatment. The culprits are not easy to discern; there are too many options. With a thriving drug trade, there are too many in bad situations.
The ending was shocking and satisfying. It was also sad. I look forward to more, as I don’t know what Jason will do now. I’d love for him to have more allies, better relationships and less criminals telling him what to do. I’m just glad he came out of this sane and alive.
Narration:
This narrator is new to me. I appreciated the emotional tones and accents used for some characters. They all seemed appropriate and comfortable for listening. His portrayal of Jason added some humor to the suspenseful story being told. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Robert Bailey
Robert Bailey is the bestselling and award winning author of the McMurtrie and Drake Legal Thrillers series, which includes The Final Reckoning, The Last Trial, Between Black and White, and The Professor, as well as the Bocephus Haynes’ series, which debuted with Legacy of Lies. He is also the author of the inspirational novel, The Golfer’s Carol.
Robert was born in Huntsville, Alabama, the son of a builder and a schoolteacher. From the time he could walk, he’s loved stories, especially those about Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant and his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide football team.
Robert obtained a Bachelor of Arts in History from Davidson College in North Carolina. Law School at the University of Alabama followed, where Robert made Law Review, competed on the school’s trial team and managed to watch every home football game.
For the past twenty-one years, he’s been a civil defense trial lawyer in his hometown of Huntsville. He and his wife, Dixie, have three kids.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
Liking the sound of this character, story and series. Excellent review, Anne💜 I’m off to see if I can find it.
It’s in Kindle Unlimited. I’m enjoying it. The character is having a lot of growth and new scary situations.
I put it on my Audible wishlist.
Sounds like he’s an underdog and the kind of down and outer with grit I love rooting for (even if he’s a rich lawyer). 🙂
yes it makes no sense he’s an underdog as a rich lawyer but he has lots of problems. He’s also not full of himself about the money.
I would probably watch the show! LOL. Thanks!
That could work.
This sounds like something that I would enjoy. There just are not enough hours to read all the books that I want to read!
That’s the truth. I am looking forward to the holiday weekend like I might get to read more. We will see.
Sounds like an interesting court drama/mystery. He is having a lot of problems. Blackmail isn’t my favorite subject. I hope he prevailed. Great review, Anne!
Thanks Rachel. This character grew on me. But there were quite a few unlikable characters.
Love watching a character grow.
yes I agree that makes for a key part of a great story.
This sounds right up my alley. I will have to check it out, especially since it is in KU.
It’s a suspenseful story. I liked it and can’t wait to see what he does next.
This sounds like a read that would keep you on the edge of your seat and I like that Jason seems to have a lot of layers to him.
Thanks Suzanne. This was suspenseful and for a rich guy he just had too many problems and too many characters were not in good circumstances. Money doesn’t seem to make them happy or have integrity. Jason though does have some integrity.