There Ain't No Justice

Crime Mysteries by Norman Shabel

Fiction - Mystery - Legal
317 Pages
Reviewed on 01/19/2025
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite

In There Ain't No Justice, Norman Shabel portrays the journey of Joshua Gordon, an ambitious Assistant County Prosecutor overseeing a case that intersects with his personal life. Joshua grew up under the guidance of his single mother, Sadie. Life for him and his other siblings was difficult at times. Amid the stifling effects of poverty and an abusive older brother, Joshua was committed to creating a better life for himself--and he did! Career-wise, he was determined to achieve justice for the underprivileged and vulnerable. Joshua is tasked with defending Jesse--a young wife and mother--who was viciously assaulted by a well-respected war veteran. He encounters several challenges related to the case, including legal corruption and gross incompetence by other professionals overseeing Jesse's trial. Can he successfully overcome these hurdles and achieve justice for Jesse in the end?

Norman Shabel's There Ain't No Justice is a top-notch, well-written courtroom drama that has something exciting in store for each reader. It is a legal thriller skillfully blended with intrigue, drama, and suspense. Forged by his arduous upbringing and childhood trauma, Joshua makes one helluva resilient and sympathetic protagonist. His commitment to seeking justice on behalf of Jesse made me root for him even more. Shabel does a stellar job of humanizing Joshua's struggles, both in and out of the courtroom. He is a prosecutor who genuinely cares for the well-being of his clients. Thus, his personal and professional journey is brimming with pathos and many relatable experiences. Shabel addresses serious issues such as sexual assault, corruption, and justice with realism. Even though the ending is bitter-sweet, the journey to get there is filled with many thought-provoking moments. If you're a fan of legal thrillers, add it to your reading list.

Luwi Nyakansaila

There Ain't No Justice by Norman Shabel is a legal drama that follows Assistant County Prosecutor Joshua Gordon as he handles various cases. His latest case involves the sexual assault of a young mother of two by a Vietnam veteran, and it unravels a complex web of personal and societal issues. Gordon is confronted by the harsh realities of the legal system, filled with inattentive judges, prejudice, and manipulation games. He also tackles medical malpractices, domestic violence, and a bizarre divorce case, all in the pursuit of justice. The story delves into Gordon’s past, highlighting the violence he faced from his brother's attacks and the lawlessness in his community. It also explores his family dynamics, religious beliefs, and social values, revealing how these factors influence his approach to the law and his determination to seek justice.

There Ain't No Justice is a thought-provoking story that perfectly illustrates the complexities of the justice system and systemic biases that often lead to unfair judgment. It portrays the heartbreak of good individuals suffering unjustly while those who commit heinous acts evade accountability. Readers will reflect on the profound inequalities that persist in society and religious groups. Norman Shabel examines women's struggles in our communities and how victims are often put on trial for their experiences rather than the perpetrators for their crimes. He also shows how different families fail to value connection and cherished moments, but rather focus on material concerns and societal perceptions. Despite these heavy issues, the narrative also has lighthearted moments, mainly through Gordon's charming personality and humorous interactions. This is an insightful and eye-opening story about societal injustices and personal struggles within communities.

Bernadette Longu

In There Ain’t No Justice, Norman Shabel has written a crime mystery from a most unusual angle. It is August 1976, and Joshua Gordon, the Assistant County Prosecutor, has to get justice for Jessie Springfield who had been raped by Robert Anderson, a man she barely knew. Josh, as he is called by everyone, knows what an uphill battle he is going to have to win the case. Josh takes the reader on an interesting journey, showing why he is so determined to win this case for Jessie Springfield and her husband Harold. The story has many twists and turns that leave the reader wondering how they are linked to the case that Josh is tackling.

In There Ain’t No Justice by Norman Shabel, the reader takes a journey that seems to meander through the life of Joshua Gordon. The author brings Josh to life in a way that makes him very human. The reader meets Stephanie, his wife, Mama Gordon, his mother, Ralph, his oldest brother and a bully, Fanny, his youngest sister, and many other colorful characters that helped shape Joshua into the man he becomes. This gives the reader insights into what makes Joshua tick and why he is always ready to help the underdog. Just as the story comes to an end, the twist in the tale is not what the reader is expecting and it is quite the most unusual ending I have ever read. This book is well worth a second read as Joshua is a very compelling character and the reader will discover that they want to find out more about him. Thank you, Norman Shabel, for an interesting read.

Alma Boucher

There Ain't No Justice by Norman Shabel is a legal thriller that delves into the life of Joshua Gordon, a New Jersey prosecutor. Gordon grew up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, with his mother and three siblings. Ralphy, his eldest brother, would use him as a punching bag. Gordon often thought back to how poor his family was and the brother who frequently bullied him. For Gordon, it was important to make a success of his life now. He was handed the case of Jesse Springfield, brutally raped and assaulted by Robert Anderson who had a spotless reputation. Gordon had to prove that Jesse was viciously and violently attacked and raped by Anderson. A rape victim had to report the rape within a reasonable time after the incident otherwise the jury could infer that Jesse was not raped but consented. Will Gordon be able to find justice for Jesse?

There Ain't No Justice by Norman Shabel shifted between Joshua Gordon’s childhood and the present. It was an exhilarating journey filled with legal maneuvers, interrogations, and moments of insight. The writing style captured my interest immediately and kept me gripped until the end. The chapters revolved around the courtroom hearings, Gordon’s early life, and personal struggles. The characters were well-developed and felt genuine. Even with his struggles, Gordon was fully devoted to Jesse’s case. I appreciated gaining deeper insights into Gordon and his background. The story was beautifully crafted and made for a compelling read. The plot concluded with a significant twist that completely took me by surprise.

Carol Thompson

There Ain’t No Justice by Norman Shabel is an engaging legal mystery that thrusts readers into the turbulent world of Joshua Gordon, a New Jersey prosecutor tackling the most challenging case of his career. The story centers on his efforts to secure justice for Jesse Springfield, a vulnerable young woman, against Robert Anderson, a respected war hero. Joshua’s journey from the harsh streets of Brownsville, Brooklyn to the courtroom wasn’t easy. Raised in poverty and violence and oppressed by a broken family, he overcomes these obstacles through determination and the support of his single mother. His past, however, continues to haunt him, influencing his present and complicating his pursuit of justice.

The complexity of the characters adds to the narrative. Josh is a prosecutor and a man wrestling with his inner demons and the shadows of a troubled upbringing. His challenges in the courtroom, from a biased judge to flawed evidence, mirror his internal struggles, making his fight for justice doubly difficult. The story has the familiar trope of small-town corruption but with unique twists and turns that make it unique. Norman Shabel’s writing is engaging, and he portrays Josh as someone with determination, redemption, and the quest for justice. The book effectively captures the essence of the legal system’s challenges while highlighting the past’s impact on the present and future. There Ain’t No Justice is a compelling read for anyone fascinated by the intricacies of law and the human spirit’s capacity to overcome hardship. Fans of legal thrillers won’t want to miss Shabel’s novel. It has all the elements that make the genre intriguing and fun to read.