Customer Reviews

In Firm Pursuit

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(9)
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Pamela Samuels-Young's second novel, In Firm Pursuit, is a legal mystery that will keep readers glued to every page. Vernetta Henderson is a rising star in her law firm. She aspires to be the firm's first African American partner and winning the Micronics case will all but guarantee her the history-making position. Vernetta is confident that the case is a slam-dunk and opts for a big win at trial instead of taking the chance to settle out-of-court for a meager amount. Her confidence soon begins to wane when she uncovers evidence that can cripple her defense.

To add to the stress Vernetta faces on-the-job, her husband, Jefferson, is unable to offer much comfort as he oversees a major project out-of-town. Being away from his wife is taking a toll on Jefferson and he soon finds himself in a compromising position that threatens his marriage and business. Thankfully, Vernetta's sassy friend, Special Moore, is able to keep her sane as her world turns upside-down. When Special gets caught in the crossfire, Vernetta realizes she must get to the truth before someone she loves gets hurt.

Samuels-Young weaves an intricate tale of murder, white-collar crime and sexual misconduct. The characters are diverse and dynamic and amusingly over-the-top at times. In Firm Pursuit is an excellent choice for fans of mystery, suspense or crime novels.

Reviewed by M. P. McKinney
APOOO BookClub

This book is a thrill ride from start to finish. Lots of suspense and uncertainty about what was going to happen. The writing style is easy to read, but not dumbed down. The author created an excellent story line full of greed, violence, backstabbing, loyalty, love and the law. This is or is not a contest with Grisham, but this author is a solid contender for his spot if her books get out there. My favorite genre is intrigue and mystery -- it's what I read. So I know what I'm talking about.

This was a good novel but it was wrapped up a little too neatly in the Epilog. The writer told the ending results instead of showing it. Also, I like the fact that this novel was written in 1st AND 3rd person. In the writing world, they say this is a "no-no," but I am glad to see the author defy the rules because it read so lovely and so smoothly. I had taken a writing class once and was told that if the book is written in 1st person, that person MUST be in EVERY chapter. The 1st person in this story was NOT in every chapter and this only proves that the author is very talented.

Pamela Samuels-Young is a writer to watch. Her second novel includes all the earmarks of an exciting read: love, passion, greed, and power embodied in believable yet entertaining characters. The story moves quickly with many twists and turns, compelling the reader to want to know what happens. This legal thriller captures the reader's attention with its breezy style while addressing contemporary issues and our uniquely American culture. Excellent!

Vernetta Henderson's legal career is on the upswing after winning a multi-million dollar verdict. Just weeks away from a partnership vote at her law firm, Vernetta defends a major corporation in what appears to be an easy sexual harassment case. But she soon finds out that this case is anything but ordinary. Vernetta decides to take this case to trial instead of settling it out of court. But when troubling revelations and conspiracies are revealed, this case may put her career and life in jeopardy. Her husband Jefferson has his own issues when he finds himself in a compromising position that may destroy their marriage. Vernetta will soon find out what really matters most in her life.

In Firm Pursuit is an outstanding novel by Pamela Samuels-Young. This story will grab you from the first page and won't let go. Samuels-Young does an excellent job introducing the reader to the interesting and sometimes chaotic world of a high-powered attorney. One of the things that makes this novel stand is the character development. Vernetta is a character that all women that are trying to move up the corporate ladder can relate to. Pamela Samuels-Young expertly created a fast-paced legal thriller with an African-American woman protagonist that is rarely seen in African-American fiction. In Firm Pursuit is a riveting novel that is full of intrigue and will have you eagerly anticipating the next installment in this series.

Reviewed by Radiah Hubbert
for Urban Reviews

Vernetta Henderson is hoping to become a partner in her law firm. She expects to win the sexual harassment case right before decisions are made, knowing that would really boost her chances.

That was before things started going wrong with the case. Soon she wishes she had settled it up front when she had the chance.

Her husband Jefferson is out of town on a big contract for his electrical company. He is having troubles of his own. He becomes the target of his young assistant and ends up in a compromising situation that could jeopardize his marriage.

Can Vernetta keep things under control both at work and at home? Can she keep her best friend from getting herself killed trying to play detective?

I really enjoyed this gripping legal mystery. Vernetta is a likeable character and the plot is well written and the mystery intriguing to keep your interest. You will want to keep reading to figure out who did it and why. I highly recommend this book.

I loved this book! It was easy to read and I completely identified w/ the characters. Ms. Samuels-Young is the John Grisham of African-American female legal thrillers.

Samuels-Young does a good job in telling story of Vernette Henderson, an African-American partner at a prestigious L.A. law firm, who takes on high profile murder case while trying to balance with personal life. -- R. Barri Flowers, Bestselling Author of STATE'S EVIDENCE and DEAD IN THE ROSE CITY, now in eBook.

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat trying to anticipate Vernetta Henderson's next legal investigative move, she has the legal mind of Perry Mason and the investigative persistence of Monk. She does not stop until she uncovers the truth, weather she has been hired by the guilty party or not she will uncover the truth and with the help of her very talented friend, "Special" who wants to be an PI, this book will keep you turning the pages to the end.
Mrs. Henderson, combines her personal life into her work so you feel as if she is the girl next door, then being the ultimate professional that she truly is, she introduces you full throttle into her legal career to let you know that she is in deed serious about her profession and totally dedicated to her career. What she shows is a very ambitious sister, holding it down as a highly respected attorney on her way to the top with a very prestigious firm and a devoted wife in a young marriage who is trying to juggle both equally and as usual for ambitious young couples trying to climb the corporate ladder, something suffers, so how do you keep it all together...well Vernetta Henderson lets us see the continuous struggles that are very real and in a way that we all can relate to.
In Firm Pursuit show cases the excellent talents of author, Pamela Samuels -Young who gives an excellent portrayal of the legal world and corruption at its best with giving us a great story about white collar crime with a lot of twists and turns to keep the reader anxiously anticipating the next move of this very colorful characters that are easy to relate to as people we all know. Her best friend "Special", becomes an instant favorite because of her uncouth view points and her wild and funny antics.
Mrs. Young is an excellent writer, whose stories are not just fun to read they also reflect positive roles that represent the the African American community and family in a positive light...Mrs. Henderson, the members of Turning Pages Book Club, love your books and the characters you have created, especially "Special and Vernetta Henderson" and their escapades, so keep writing and we will keep reading and enjoying your excellently written story lines!

Holds your attention from the begining to the end. I ordered all of her books, and they were all books that you didn't want to put down.