Beyond All Recognition

Brent Marks Legal Thrillers #9

by Kenneth Eade

Better to be judged by 12 than carried by six...
Experience the non-stop action, suspense and mystery and thrills of the latest in the best selling legal thriller series from the legal thriller author critics hail "One of the strongest thriller writers on the scene." This fast-paced, action-packed legal and military thriller introduces us to 26-year-old Captain Ryan Bennington, in command of a company during the Iraq War and fighting a faceless enemy in the global war on terror, where a split-second decision could mean the difference between killing an innocent civilian or losing an entire platoon to a suicide bomber. Ryan survives the war and comes home to conquer PTSD and chronic unemployment, only to be arrested for following the orders of his Commander to kill suspected Al-Qaeda terrorists in a small Iraqi village, who turn out, after the raid, to be civilians. Lawyer Brent Marks takes on Ryan's defense in his court-martial trial, which will reveal the deepest, darkest secrets of the military industrial complex. In their search for a scapegoat, have the powers-that-be gone too far this time? What critics are saying about this military "Another top-flight novel from the master of intrigue – one of his best. Few writers in this legal thriller genre can match Kenneth Eade's creative ability to present facts in a way that with the help of his main character Brent Marks we can catch a glimpse in the legal intricacies around us. Said once and said again, Kenneth Eade is one of our strongest thriller writers on the scene and the fact that he draws his stories from the contemporary philosophical landscape is very much to his credit." Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame, Top 100 and Vine Voice "Eade, a lawyer by profession, weaves legal dialogue, corruption and international action to create a pacey read with echoes of Grisham, Baldacci and Clancy nipping at his writing heels. Law issues as well as forensics and police procedures are clearly explained with such authority as to add gritty realism in and out of the courthouse, but it's within the court drama that Eade really packs some punch. SPR Review "Kenneth Eade is one of the up and coming legal thriller writers of this generation." -- John Ellsworth, "Beyond All Recognition has rocketed to the top of these paid Kindle bestseller Find out what readers already ""You can rest assured that no matter which Brent Marks book you choose to read, you're most likely going to learn something new outside of your current knowledge base and you will come away a wiser, more sensitive person for having done so. Beyond All Recognition is no exception." Joy Lorton "As a military spouse I was not sure I would enjoy reading this book. But I actually found it interesting and enjoyed it. I would recommend it to my friends." Kim Jennings "Mr. Eade gives us another reason to stay up late. I loved the book and I love the way I learn every time I read his books. This is a very timely novel, well researched, and honestly, a little scary." Kelleen Stine-Cheyne If you like legal thrillers, pulp thrillers, military thrillers, mystery, fiction best sellers, and intense courtroom drama filled with plot twists and turns and plenty of out of court action, this novel is a must read that will leave you breathless and wanting more. Scroll up, click and download "Beyond All Recognition"

Genres: Thriller

303 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2016

About the author

Described by critics as "one of our strongest thriller writers on the scene," author Kenneth Eade, best known for his legal and political thrillers, practiced law for 30 years before publishing his first novel, "An Involuntary Spy." Eade, an up and coming author in the legal thriller and courtroom drama genre, has been described by critics as "One of our strongest thriller writers on the scene and the fact that he draws his stories from the contemporary philosophical landscape is very much to his credit." He is often compared to John Grisham, whom many regard as the master of the legal thriller.

Says Eade of the comparisons, "Readers compare me in style to John Grisham and, although there are some similarities, because John also likes to craft a story around real topics and we are both lawyers, all of my novels are rooted in reality, not fantasy. I use fictional characters and situations to express factual and conceptual issues. Some use the term 'faction' to describe this style, and it is present in all my fictional works."

Eade has written twenty novels, which are now in the process of being translated into ten languages. He is known to keep in touch with his readers, offering free books and discounts to all those who sign up at his web site, www.kennetheade.com.

Email: info@kennetheade.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KennethGEade...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KennethEade1

Reviews

[Linda Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brent Marks, Attorney at Law, takes on the military in the 9th book in this series.

The military has decided almost 10 years after the fact to court-martial Captain Ryan Bennington, Retired, for war crimes. Men in the military are told they don’t have to obey any order that’s illegal. But if they don’t obey it, they’ll go to jail.

Intelligence had confirmed that a group of high-level Al-Qaeda terrorists were hiding in a small village in Iraq. The Captain’s orders were to go in, kill them, and capture the weapons cache. If he and his men felt threatened in any way, they were told to just shoot, commanders would have their backs. Captain Bennington passed these orders to his men, and 10 innocents were killed. The military powers-to-be are now saying those orders were never issued.

Brent Marks takes on the case … but has he bitten off more than he can chew? The military has resources that most people have never heard of. How far are the military commanders willing to go to keep their secrets?

This is another top-notch legal thriller by this author. It’s well-written with familiar names and places woven around real facts. The characters are fully developed.

I’ve been fortunate enough to read most of this series. As always, while not totally necessary, I would recommend reading in order.

Many thanks to the author who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[Vickie Sarmina · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW - what an eye-opener for a civilian! What our soldiers have to go through to protect us is extraordinary! The soldiers not only have to have total control of their bodies, but their mind as well. To have to do what you are commanded to do by your Higher Command, even though in your heart and mind you know it is not always the legal thing to do - how conflicting that must feel. Imagine coming back from 4 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and being able to start your own business successfully. And trying to settle back into life with your wife and your twin daughters. Then imagine going to work one day and answering the door to the Military Police and they take you into custody for war crimes 10 years later. This is what happened to Captain Ryan Bennington. Capt. Bennington has military counsel, but has requested outside counsel as well. He has requested Brent Marks. Brent and his investigator, Jack, must weed through the bureaucratic jungle to represent Capt.Bennington. Brent and Jack did have to go through all the mountains of "top-secret and classified" roadblocks that involves national security, or does it? What will they find? Will they be able to locate witnesses that were there that night? What will the High Command do? Will High Command assist or not? I enjoyed this book very much. The storyline was great and the reader could almost envision the scenes actually jumping off the pages. The reader could relate to the characters and their emotions as well. I also enjoyed the fact that the author did as much research on the subject matter as he did. It certainly brought out the reality of things that do happen in combat and war. Great book!! Loved it!! Review provided by Hot Box Reviews. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ninth book in Brent Marks series, but it reads just fine on its own. I really enjoyed reading this book. It flowed well and the premise captivated me. I generally read to be entertained and to enjoy armchair adventures. An exciting, fast-paced story, I found this book easy to read just from the entertainment perspective. But it is more.

There is more depth and thought-provoking, jaw-dropping , insights into the Irag War than I expected. I therefore also got caught up in the politics and dirty business of war. I thought the arguments, explanations and mind-boggling conclusions pulled together from newly non-classified documents were educational and enlightening. Pulling events and attitudes from actual true evidence and mixing that with a fictional hero and railroaded scapegoat was masterfully organized and presented in easy to understand language. Mr. Eade shines a flashlight on certain shady aspects of the Iraq War illuminating its deadly secrets. Agree or disagree with the politics and policies of the time – this book opened my eyes.

I liked the lawyer Brent Marks who is relentless in his search for the truth. Now I am looking forward to reading the first three books in this Brent Marks series as a Kindle Unlimited boxed set. It just doesn’t get any better than that.

I received this book through Kindle Unlimited on Amazon.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond All Recognition: A Brent Marks Legal Thriller by Kenneth Eade

Captain Ryan Bennington retired after his fourth tour in Iraq. He comes home suffering PTSD and having problems getting a job. He took his commands seriously and did as he was ordered (to do). He did not plan on being arrested for something he was told to do.

He seeks legal counsel from Brent Marks, he is going to defend the court martialed Captain. As the trial begins, Brent will do what he must to defend his client. Soon secrets are revealed, deep dark secrets the military would have like left quiet.

Intense court room dialog, recalled traumatic, dramatic memories (from Ryan's past) and secrets revealed, kept me wanting more. The plot is very believable, something I feel could happen in real life. I was hooked from the first page until the end. I strongly recommend Legal Thriller: Beyond All Recognition, a courtroom drama: A Brent Marks Legal Thriller to those who love a great (intense) court room drama with a military (base) plot. A very enjoyable read.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beyond All Recognition: A Brent Marks Legal Thriller by Kenneth Eade

Captain Ryan Bennington retired after his fourth tour in Iraq. He comes home suffering PTSD and having problems getting a job. He took his commands seriously and did as he was ordered (to do). He did not plan on being arrested for something he was told to do.

He seeks legal counsel from Brent Marks, he is going to defend the court martialed Captain. As the trial begins, Brent will do what he must to defend his client. Soon secrets are revealed, deep dark secrets the military would have like left quiet.

Intense court room dialog, recalled traumatic, dramatic memories (from Ryan's past) and secrets revealed, kept me wanting more. The plot is very believable, something I feel could happen in real life. I was hooked from the first page until the end. I strongly recommend Legal Thriller: Beyond All Recognition, a courtroom drama: A Brent Marks Legal Thriller to those who love a great (intense) court room drama with a military (base) plot. A very enjoyable read.

[Tulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about one soldier, who was deployed to Iraq four times.

Some readers was very upset and tagged this book as "leftist", it is not political book. Author/lawyer always does great research, and all the facts weaved in this fictional story are listed at the end. Did read all the books he has written, he is very independent thinker. Read this story first time in May, this is the second time. With this Iraq war USA stuck their nose in a bee hive, not knowing anything about Islam, and their traditions. Now the all those bees are flying all over the world and stinging everyone.
Soldier is on military court martial trial after nine years, Brent Marks is ready to fight, what he believes to be the right thing to do. Meantime you'll read what our soldiers go through, and what's expected from them. Must read book, please read it.

[Janice Spina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I read by this author which I won online. I found it intense when it dealt with the atrocities of war and its effects on soldiers. I did not have any background on the main character, Brent Marks, but learned through reading this book that he was a trial lawyer who took on tough cases to aid people in need,

The author did extensive research in order to delve into this tough subject of war. He provided background on Presidents and how their terms affected wars and all the players. For all who enjoy reading about wars and the graphic side of them, you will enjoy this book. It was well done with plenty of information that will leave you praying that we won't get into other conflict that will cost more precious lives of those who bravely serve.

[Dan Dobler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deep and complex story

I'm a Vietnam Vet (USAF) and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not just the story, but the way the author laid it out. The research and presentation of that in literary form made this believable and easy to follow. It included some aspects that made me uncomfortable as well; PTSD, treatment of Vets, the suffering that IEDs and warfare bring about, and the atrocities of war among other things. I stand by my service that helped allow authors like this one to write stories like this, but am saddened that wars are a part of life on earth. Maybe someday they won't be necessary or even an option.

[Kimberley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan had been in the army as an officer and been to Iraq four times. Even with PTSD he thought that part of his life was over. He was shocked and horrified when he was called back into service and charged with murder. When Brent met Maya in his office and heard about Ryan's case he knew he would take it. With the help of his friend the private detective and a lot of research Brent was a lawyer in his first military court marshal.
As a military spouse I was not sure I would enjoy reading this book. But I actually found it interesting and enjoyed it. I would recommend it to my friends.

[David Berkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book,

This was a much better book by this author. Can't wait to find out what happens in the Big Spill.

[Judith Sentyz · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGNIFICENT

I am an old lady, 69-1/2. I absolutely loved this book. I can remember watching on tv during the Vietnam War body bag counts every night. I remember actually seeing Desert Storm on tv with my kids, live. My generation was taught to believe that we, Americans, are the "Saviors" of the world and that we would never do to our opposition what they do to us. Even before reading this book, I knew that statement was false. I actually remember the name al-Nasr. I was so glad what the members of Captain Bennington's so-called jury decided. Mr. Eade, I applaud you. A great book, novel or not.

[Edward Ludacer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of His Best!

I have read a number of his books and I believe this is my favorite. I liked the way it moved into a military court rather than a traditional court. The story of the and the comments following relative to todays world, gives us civilian readers a lot a room for thought. Opens our eyes toward the real world.

[Kathryn Ottele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

I was intrigued and spellbound reading this book. It is sad, but hopeful. The soldiers life is a hard one and the trial for this one soldier was especially heart rending. I loved the courtroom proceeding and the very insightful results that a soldier goes through!

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

"... because he loves what is behind."
Lawyer Brent Marks takes on the case of Captain Ryan Bennington, arrested at his home and accused of, amongst other things, the murder of a civilian during the course of an ordered raid with his men in Iraq on a group of 'heavily armed' known insurgents, more than nine years before. It had only been after ten men had been killed by his squad that he had found that the intel they had been given was faulty and all had been unarmed civilians. Nevertheless, he was told at the time that he had done a good job by his commanding officer. He retired shortly after.
Now, completely out of the blue, he was to face trial.

This is the first Brent Marks book that I have read and is completely stand alone. The story was supported, apparently, by hundreds of hours of research to ensure accuracy of the background information which, as one of the protagonists comments is, "the thing that Hollywood movies are made of. Conspiracy theories and such." This is good story, an exciting book, quite terrifying in its implications, but marred by some unnecessary repetition. Nevertheless, well worth reading

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a masterpiece, detailing the machinations of our government in using wars to benefit the very few at the top to benefit mightily, while our military is USED as their personal tin soldiers!!
It makes one despair when learning about the defense contractors making millions from taxpayer-provided billions from their death squads that have no oversight, leaving our children and grandchildren enormous debts and world wide scorn for our hypocrisy!!
It makes one ashamed to be an American!!! And yet the drumbeat for inciting war continues! Maybe, we won't have to wait very long for our excitable and unstable IDIOT-CHILD to tip the scales to get us annihilated!

[Peter Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Fantastic

The best that I have read of the Brent Marks Legal Books.
Best, because it evolves around a Court Martial.
The build up to the trial is awesome.
The Court Martial itself, its description and detail is unbelievable.
Kenneth Eade has done a lot of research to produce such a great book.
Highly recommended, especially if you are a Returned Serviceman or Servicewoman.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot of this novel is a POV most don’t think about—the true political underbelly that can run the military during wars.

Read full review in the 2016 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.