Martin Vance has spent his entire life waiting for the sunrise. At thirty two, he is a junior associate at Vance and Associates, trapped in the shadow of his father, Arthur. Arthur is a legal titan who wields approval like a weapon. Martin wears the expensive suits and works the fifty second floor hours, but he knows the truth. He is an outsider in his own legacy, waiting for the chance to prove he belongs.
That chance arrives with a smile and a handshake from Uncle Robert Sterling, the oldest friend and wealthiest client of his father.
Robert offers Martin a simple case. Hollows Residents versus Sterling Recreational. It looks like routine negligence paperwork. It is a favor to the firm and a guaranteed partnership track for Martin. It is the golden ticket he promised his wife, Clara, and the validation he has craved since childhood.
But as Martin steps out of the shadows and into the courtroom arena, he discovers that the case is not a stepping stone. It is a silencer.
Beneath the paperwork lies a decades old deception that threatens to rot the city from the inside out. As Martin peels back the layers of Sterling Recreational, he finds himself caught between the moral compass he swore to protect and the family loyalty that demands his silence.
In a world where justice is just another billable hour, Martin must decide. Will he be the son his father wants, or the man he needs to be?
Review :
"I could not put this down. I planned on reading just one chapter before bed but ended up staying up until two in the morning to see if Martin would actually go through with it. The office politics felt so real and the ending was exactly what it needed to be. A fantastic debut." - Reader Review from Goodreads
"A gripping story about what happens when your dream job turns into a nightmare. Most legal thrillers are all about the courtroom but this one focuses on the pressure of family and the secrets we keep to get ahead. Martin is a character you really root for even when he makes mistakes." - The Bookish Cafe
"If you like John Grisham or show like Suits you will love this book. It is fast paced and smart without being confusing. The author does a great job of making you feel the stress of that fifty second floor office. I am already looking forward to the next one." - Average Reader Book Blog
"Shadows of Contempt is a tense and emotional ride. The relationship between the father and the son is the heart of the story and it is handled perfectly. It is a rare legal thriller that actually makes you think about your own choices and what you would do for a promotion." - Vine Voice Reviewer
"Five stars for the atmosphere alone. You can practically smell the expensive leather and the old coffee in the law firm. The writing is smooth and the plot kept me guessing until the very last page. A must read for anyone who loves a good mystery." - Shelved Under Fiction
"A relatable and chilling look at corporate ambition. We have all had a boss like Arthur or a friend like Robert which makes the stakes feel very personal. I finished it in two sittings and immediately told my book club to put it on the list for next month." - The Daily Page
