Just Deceits: A Historical Courtroom Mystery
In 1793, the most powerful family in Virginia found itself embroiled in scandal: Richard Randolph and his sister-in-law, the beautiful Nancy Randolph, were charged with adultery and infanticide. Based on actual events, Just Deceits tells the story of the Trial of the Century – the 18th Century – as the remarkable defense team of wily Patrick Henry and ambitious John Marshall battle each other, their clients, family intrigue, the prosecution, and the truth itself, trying to save their clients from the gallows. In its ribald portrayal of a young legal system already driven more by spectacle than evidence, Just Deceits calls into question the feasibility — and even the desirability — of uncovering “the whole truth.” Ultimately, in the secrets revealed and the relationships celebrated, Just Deceits is as much a story of a trial of love as the trial in the courtroom.
JUST DECEITS hits #1 on KINDLE for Legal Thrillers! & #3 among KINDLE historical novels!
Praise for Just Deceits:
“Michael Schein’s excellent debut novel, Just Deceits, is the perfect book for lovers of courtroom thrillers, historical fiction, mysteries, or anyone looking for an exciting page-turner that also stimulates the mind. Schein’s writing is crisp, the characters are vivid and engaging, and there are many unexpected twists on the way to a stunning ending. I couldn’t put it down!”
– Robert Dugoni, New York Times bestselling author of The Jury Master, Damage Control, and The Cyanide Canary
“Just Deceits is an exceptionally well-written novel that combines a gripping legal who-done-it with an historical tale rich and clever enough to charm even the ahistorical reader. As with much of the best contemporary fiction the line between truth and belief is not neatly drawn, and as a result the book – in addition to its wit and charm – is actually a significant contribution to the genre of the novel of ideas. The reader looking for thoughtful fun will not be disappointed.”
– Julian Riepe, former book acquisition manager for Amazon.com; co-founder of Third Place Books, Seattle.
Readers Love Just Deceits:
“I love your book. In fact – it was one of those ‘I can’t wait to keep reading but I don’t want it to end’ books. I felt I was right there in Virginia with all the assorted characters – I felt the sweat on the horse, smelled the fields, as villains and heroes . . . made their way one place to another, and I got scared and excited at all the right places. Bravo!”
- A note received from a reader, March 16, 2009.
“I just finished your book. Thank you so much for writing it. It was a really really great read and I read a lot. I read the three volume Marshall book last year so I was particularly sensitive to see if your book was squared with the history. You really did your homework. A truly great work. Please write another.”
- Email from an attorney-reader, Sept. 6, 2010.
“Just Deceits grabbed hold of me and wouldn’t let me go until long after the last page was read. I got so little sleep during that time that I’m surprised I was able to function during the day! One night, I read until I got sleepy, turned out the light, and turned it back on again at 1:15 a.m. Decided that I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I might as well read. I did — for 1 hr and 45 mins. I started each day with an hour or so in your book, then ate my lunch with the book in hand . . . — I was craving more and more. Great job! A masterful telling of an intriguing story.”
- Email from a reader, Nov. 8, 2010.
“What a great read! I’m not generally a fan of mysteries, but this compelling historical tale, full of wonderfully drawn characters and unexpected plot twists, had me hooked. From the moment the trial scene began, I was absolutely unable to put it down. I even skipped a family dinner so I could finish it! Highly, highly recommended.”
- Amazon reader review, Dec. 20, 2008.
Reading “Just Deceits” I was hard pressed to believe that this was Mr. Schein’s first novel. This book is a pleasure to read from beginning to end. The characters are full-bodied, interesting, and believable, and the story flows smoothly with no dead spots or places where you skim the page just to get to the next good part. The historical detail is wonderful and the story immediately captures and retains your interest.
- Amazon reader review, Oct. 27, 2008.
Fast moving suspenseful legal page turner mixing accurate history with full blooded characters. Like the best historical fiction, “Deceits” reminds us that whatever else may have changed, difficult personal choices and their consequences are not much different now than they were 200 years ago.
- Amazon reader review, Oct. 8, 2008.
“I could not put it down! Michael Schein makes legal history come alive in his debut novel. If you are a history buff or a mystery fan this book is for you.”
- Amazon reader review, Sept. 30, 2008.