Punch Line

Chance Cormac Legal Thrillers Book 2

Fiction - Mystery - Legal
Kindle Edition
Reviewed on 10/13/2024
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig presents a gripping narrative that intricately weaves themes of identity, conflict, and the quest for justice against the backdrop of legal corruption. Verne Slater, a stand-up comic, is brutally stabbed after a performance featuring controversial jokes about gender identity. His injury leads to a deeper investigation involving Chance Cormac, a reinstated lawyer seeking redemption after a six-month suspension for knocking out an adversary on the steps to the courthouse. The central conflict pivots on societal tensions surrounding LGBTQ+ issues, highlighted through the violent reaction to Verne's material. This sets off a chain reaction that reveals the complexities of personal identity, illustrating how cultural misunderstandings can spiral into violence. The antagonistic figure, Red, once a sympathetic character, becomes a perpetrator of violence cloaked in internal turmoil, embodying the tragic consequences of anger and discrimination. As Chance pursues justice for his client, he gets embroiled with a rogue police officer, unscrupulous attorneys, and corrupt officials in Brooklyn, New York.

I am a fan of well-crafted legal thrillers, and Richard A. Danzig offers a great addition to the list of authors I cherish. This book offers great writing with dialogues that sparkle, creating the kind of drama that entertains and keeps readers invested in the story. The richly developed characters will keep readers' attention, especially Verne, once a great performer now reduced to navigating life in a wheelchair and dealing with despair and anger as he adjusts to his new reality. His wife, Rose, represents compassion and moral strength amid this trauma. Chance Cormac is a likable protagonist, facing the challenges of legal practice while confronting his mistakes, particularly regarding his former love, Sally, who is embroiled in a separate legal battle concerning their goddaughter, Melody. Punch Line brims with tension, conflict, and realism. The author infuses the narrative with brilliant social commentaries and delivers genuinely flawed and unforgettable characters. Fans of The Liar's Club by Mary Karr and The Good Fight by Philip S. Goodman will discover the same thematic landscapes in this novel.

Angelique Papayannopoulos

Richard Danzig’s Punch Line is an exhilarating crime and legal thriller. Chance Cormac has returned to the firm to resume his legal career after being suspended for six months due to an altercation outside a courthouse. He kept a detailed journal regarding the events that led to his suspension. As a result, his book was an instant success and his services were in high demand, thus hiring Damien and Susan to assist him. Chance's first case involves representing a comedian who was targeted by a member of a Trans Action group for making jokes about trans people. Miraculously, the comedian survived the brutal stabbing that has left him paralyzed. Chance also takes on the case of his former paralegal and ex-lover, who the sperm donor and biological father is suing for shared custody of their daughter. As Chance defends the innocent, he confronts corrupt officials, crooked attorneys, and a rogue police officer, making this whirlwind ride personal.

Punch Line is an elaborate and compelling story that blends, murder, suspense, and courtroom drama. Richard Danzig’s straightforward narrative offers intense action in a thought-provoking and innovative plot. With multidimensional characters that are dynamic and persuasive, you won't be able to put this book down. It is easy to connect with the protagonist's dedication and determination in his work while feeling his passion for music and boxing. The author uses his vast knowledge of Navy SEALs training and the legal system to craft a clever plot filled with twists and turns that lead to an explosive conclusion. This action-packed crime thriller explores themes of justice, loyalty, redemption, and retribution, while subtly promoting an awareness of the challenges facing trans people. Readers who enjoy crime thrillers involving high-stakes situations, murder, corruption, and legal dramas, will find this fantastic book an unputdownable read!

K.C. Finn

Punch Line: A Chance Cormac Legal Thriller by Richard A. Danzig is the second book in the series featuring Chance Cormac, a lawyer known for his unconventional methods. After a suspension, Chance is thrust into two challenging cases. First, he represents a comedian attacked after making controversial jokes about the trans community. Second, he defends his former paralegal, embroiled in a custody battle over her daughter. Set in Brooklyn's legal world, the story unfolds against a backdrop of corruption and ethical dilemmas, with Chance navigating treacherous legal and personal waters.

Author Richard A. Danzig skillfully intertwines multiple legal cases in such an accessible way so that readers never feel lost. The narrative flow is confidently paced, building tension while keeping the main parts of the plot clear and engaging. The legal scenarios are portrayed with accuracy and atmospheric detail to stop things from ever getting too dry, offering readers a deep dive into the intricacies of courtroom strategies and the consequences of legal battles. I was particularly impressed by Chance Cormac's character development, with both his personal and professional challenges adding layers to his personality and making him relatable. Danzig handles sensitive topics, such as jokes about marginalized communities and complex family dynamics, with nuance, exploring the intersection of law, humor, and societal issues. The complex plot weaving and sharp social commentary create a thought-provoking and entertaining read that goes beyond typical legal thrillers. Overall, I highly recommend Punch Line for readers who enjoy intricate legal dramas with a dash of unconventional heroism.

Doreen Chombu

Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig is a legal thriller that follows Chance Cormac, a passionate lawyer determined to get justice for all his clients. After his suspension, he jumps right back into the swing of things, hiring two law students, Susan, a smart confident woman, and Damian, a former Navy SEAL. His first cases put him right in the spotlight. The first one involves a famous comedian who was attacked after leaving a club where he had made jokes about trans people. The next case is personal, involving a custody battle for his goddaughter. These cases test his resolve and ethical boundaries, and Chance tries his best to stay on the straight and narrow to avoid another suspension. But will he manage to keep his cool when the people he loves are put in danger?

Punch Line is a captivating tale that will grab your attention with its interesting plot and intriguing characters. It covers critical issues like transgenderism, sperm donation, police brutality, and disabilities. Richard A. Danzig skillfully weaves Chance Cormac's personal and professional struggles together, making readers relate to him on a personal level. I loved that Chance was willing to learn about things he did not know, making his growth throughout the novel compelling and realistic. The author depicted the legal system without using technical jargon. Instead, he focused on the human elements of the cases, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the characters. This kept me invested in the narrative and the different plot lines. Overall, this is a great read, and I recommend it to anyone who loves legal thrillers with rich character development and social commentary.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Punch Line by Richard A. Danzig is a legal and investigative drama that follows Chance Cormac, a hard-hitting lawyer who is back from his six-month suspension after punching someone in front of the courthouse. He goes above and beyond to win his cases, and nothing can stand in his way. With new hires and two cases to handle, Chance dives right into his work, trying to get justice for a comic who was attacked for making trans jokes and fighting a custody battle against a sperm donor who claims to be the biological father of his beloved goddaughter. All is not as it seems because the more Chance and his team dig into the cases, the more they discover deeper layers of complexity and dilemmas that challenge their understanding. Join Chance as he navigates through a web of legal and personal challenges that test his professional skills and convictions.

Punch Line is an entertaining story that will keep you on the edge of your seat with twists and turns. It is the second book in Chance Cormac's legal series, and it delves into various social issues, shedding light on the trans community, homosexuality, artificial insemination, and misconduct in the police system. Richard A. Danzig’s narrative not only entertains but also provokes thought about these contemporary societal issues, making it a relevant and engaging read for anyone interested in the intersection of law and personal ethics. The story is well-balanced with dark, heart-wrenching moments and humorous ones. The narrative follows various perspectives, giving readers a glimpse into different characters' lives. From a recovering comic dealing with depression and a transgender man spiraling out of control and denying his identity to a formidable Navy SEAL, Punch Line intricately weaves these diverse stories together. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more from this author.