Michael Rudolph

My first book by Michael Rudolf and I can say it was a satisfying read. Young attorney, Beth Swahn, is basking in the euphoria of her first major legal victory when she realizes her client has been had, partially as a result of her own lack of due diligence. Several plot lines unfold as she traces the fate of nearly $70 million dollars in settlement funds diverted by her client's dishonest employee. Hoping to save her own reputation and a major malpractice lose for her employer, Beth follows show more the money and falls for the client's son. With the help of her step-father and senior partner in her law firm, sets off in chase of the thief and money. The story unfolds on the high seas leading to an exciting ending. While the action is intense, a few story lines get lost and forgotten in the book's conclusion. A fun read even with the loose ends. show less

I thought this story was interesting and I didn't want to put it down......except for when I was reading the parts that explained all the technical aspects of sailing a boat. While I am sure Mr. Rudolph knows what he's talking about regarding sailing terms and procedures, describing the process in such detail didn't add to the story. Most of the time I just skipped over those parts. I'd read another book by Michael Rudolph if I run across it.....but I probably won't be tracking the arrival show more of his next book. show less

The alumni association of Bordentown Military Institute seeks to sell the now-closed school and attorney Beth Swahn agrees to represent the group. Determined to have the campus preserved as a historical landmark, the alumni hope to keep the Old Main and the extensive tunnel system beneath the school grounds safe from would-be developers.

But the tunnels, purported to date back to the Civil War era and once used by the Underground Railroad, may be the place holding their darkest secrets from show more their days as students at the school.

As more and more of the academy’s alumni become involved in the pending sale, a large amount of money suddenly goes missing and Beth finds herself facing threats that endanger everyone important to her.

Although this is the second book to feature attorney Beth Swahn, it works well as a stand-alone with sufficient background provided so that readers who have not read the first book will still understand the characters’ relationships.

Several plot threads involving money laundering, drug dealing, fraud, and abuse come together in this tale of legal machinations and long-held secrets. Although readers may wish for more in-depth information, especially regarding the history of the tunnels, some interesting moments sprinkled throughout the narrative serve as highlights of the story. However, with no truly layered characters, astute readers will easily figure out who’s doing what [and why] as the unfolding events wrap up the story. Overall, it’s a fast, easy read, frustrating only in its predictableness.

I received an advance reader’s copy of this e-book from Ballantine Books/Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley.
#AlumniAssociation #NetGalley show less

I love great legal thrillers, and Alumni Association has the inklings of wanting to be great, but it does seem to fall somewhat short. The principal of the story involves Beth Swahn, a managing attorney who has been tasked with representing a group called the Alumni Association. She represents their interests in the sale of a former academy that has gone to ruin, and the land it is on is being sold. The Association wants the building and the underground tunnels preserved. The tunnels hold show more many secrets and the secrets don’t want to see the light of day. As Beth starts to argue the case, her firm starts receiving threats. It soon becomes clear that someone doesn’t want her to win the case to protect the tunnels and the derelict academy building. In the face of intensifying threats, Beth vows to set things right and hunt down those responsible for the threats on her own. Beth is a strong character, but I was kinda missing a complete picture of a villain here. There is a clear bad guy, but his motivations are opaque and I never fully understood what his motivations were other than just being bad. The storyline did jump around at times making it hard to follow. Certain aspects of the story were a little unrealistic to me. It is a short quick read. May have stronger appeal to some over others. Novel supplied by Netgalley. show less