Praise & Testimonials
Path to Justice
“Nick Drummond…a droll, middle-aged jazz aficionado…works as a prosecutor for the California [A]ttorney [G]eneral [and is] head of a money-laundering task force…A literally explosive first chapter leads into a lengthy flashback that introduces much information and many characters well. Characterizations are intricately detailed and realistic, especially for Drummond, who, when the text begins, has already been tossed out of his home for being a workaholic…Background information on such diverse topics as Glacier National Park, criminal law, authentic Italian cooking, the Holocaust, police procedures, and Father Damien’s Hawaiian leper colony is subtly woven into the text, adding an educational aspect…Brisk, jaunty dialogue adds another dimension to the book’s relationships…In this fast-paced and serious drama, just the right amount of humor is injected in just the right spots…Path to Justice follows a harrowing case from its beginnings to its conclusion in an absorbing way, providing a behind-the-scenes picture of the personalities who work diligently on the side of justice.”
—Clarion Review“No one is above the law in this legal thriller from former California prosecutor Jim Dutton, who relies on his own experience for realism…There’s a solid action thriller here…”
—BlueInk Review“The author’s debut crime novel can best be described as having an authentic narrative. This is understandable, as the author is a retired prosecutor who worked in the Special Prosecutions Unit of the California Attorney General’s Office in San Diego for twenty-four years. He tried major cases in federal court, and some of his murder trials have been featured on a variety of television programs. This author knows his subject matter, which is evident when reading the book. Fans of crime fiction will appreciate the detailed information about evidence building and the presentation of the case included in the narrative, mostly in dialogue. Dutton creates fully rounded characters in this novel that is filled with the fast-paced action of great thrillers. It is a fascinating read which reveals the real world of prosecutorial law. Readers will eagerly be turning pages with this one.”
—US Review of Books (Kat Kennedy)“Career prosecutor Jim Dutton investigated and tried complex international drug, money laundering and fraud cases in federal court. Path to Justice reveals, in a compelling fashion, how a case against an international drug cartel is prosecuted.”
—Gary Schons, former Chief of the Criminal section of the San Diego Office of the California Attorney General“A San Diego prosecutor puts together a case against top leaders of a new but menacing drug cartel in Dutton’s debut legal thriller…A hero who audaciously takes on bad guys, whether in court or out in the field.”
—Kirkus Review“Career prosecutor Drummond and his task force follow a path to justice on their own terms, no matter the consequences. The action and insights into the criminal justice system build throughout. A must read for true crime and legal thriller aficionados.”
—Bill Salisbury, former U.S. Navy SEAL commander, former prosecutor, and co-author of 41 Seconds to Freedom: an Insider’s Account of the Lima Hostage Crisis“This is a 5 STAR READ. The benefit is there are three more books in the pipeline so you can really dive into the adventures of Nick Drummond. If you like crime and legal thrillers which include travel and cooking guides as well as romance and comic relief then this book is for you. I was especially interested in the author's (a former prosecutor) explanation of the crime of money laundering. The Lincoln Lawyer meets the Narcos--Enjoy.”
—Amazon customer, 5 stars“Path to Justice is one of the most authentic and entertaining legal thrillers I’ve read in years. The courtroom scenes, investigative strategy, and cartel storyline are all handled with realism and intensity, making it difficult to put down. Jim Dutton’s experience as a former cartel prosecutor clearly shows in the detail and credibility of the story. An exciting, intelligent, five-star read from beginning to end.”
—Amazon customer, 5 starsPath to Atonement
“The most riveting and realistic courtroom scenes I’ve read. While the investigation takes the reader from the scenic Canadian woods to Glacier National Park and to the beaches of San Diego, the most spectacular scenes take place in the courtroom where this reader found herself spellbound.”
—Amazon customer, 5 starsPath to Revenge
“[Cartel leader] Javier Esquel-Ranchez calls in the hit on Nick [Drummond]…Danger and action follow these two men from California all the way down to Peru as Nick’s crusade against the cartels enters its next thrilling chapter…The action…rattles off from one exotic location to the next, with the possibility of a shootout always within arm’s reach. Giving each of the men on either side of the law an opportunity to function as a principal character gives their showdown tremendous gravity, and the readers may even find themselves hoping against hope for a peaceful resolution. The balance of blockbuster action and measured character development here make for an excellent and suspenseful read to those that can handle the adrenaline.”
—US Review of Books“Path to Revenge has some unexpected turns! Great follow up story and a fast read. Kept me engaged, but I knew how it would end! Can’t wait for part 3.”
—Amazon customer, 5 stars“In this sequel, a United States attorney [Nick Drummond] and a task force pursue a murderous cartel leader in South America…As Dutton’s second installment is directly connected to the preceding novel, Path to Justice (2017), the book hits the ground running. All of the subplots and alternating narrative perspectives…generate a brisk, steady pace. Action takes precedence over the legal battles…Nevertheless, the story delivers surprising effective melodrama, like Nick, separated from his wife, becoming romantically involved with [A]gent Ana Schwartz. A rousing, energetic drug tale sure to spark interest in this legal thriller series.”
—Kirkus Reviews“Fun suspenseful read with travels throughout latin America. Unique experience of a prosecutor presenting a great story about chasing a drug trafficking enterprise throughout latin America. A great read. Enjoy.”
—Amazon customer, 5 stars“In this complex story about revenge and finding one’s calling, the characters are the stars… In Jim Dutton’s character-driven crime thriller Path to Revenge, a case around a Mexican drug cartel seems like it’s business as usual until the cartel’s leader is killed in cold blood…The opening chapter engages interest by revealing a controversy so huge and messy that it’s hard to choose the more convincing side.”
—Clarion Review“A United States attorney leads a task force targeting an international human trafficking ring in this third installment of a thriller series. Nick Drummond’s Money Laundering Task Force now has its first human trafficking case. With his pithy writing, Dutton distinctly establishes scenes and new characters. In the case of villains Steve and Rick, they seem like typical adventure-seeking men, but the few overt signs of their depravity make them truly horrifying. The story caters to new readers joining the series, but it’s especially edifying for returning fans, who will recognize several characters and subplots. The enjoyable novel ends on a sharp and unexpected note. An engaging legal tale with plenty of action, suspense, and courtroom flair.”
—Kirkus ReviewsPath to Redemption
“Path to Redemption returns Nick Drummond, the protagonist of prior books Path to Justice and Path to Revenge, to a concluding adventure in the four-part legal thriller series. Readers interested in action-packed international thrillers will find many heart-stopping moments. Librarians and readers interested in a thriller that takes the time to build a vivid world-hopping backdrop and tests of moral and ethical values surrounding justice and redemption will find Path to Redemption not just thought-provoking and hard to put down, but worthy of book club recommendation.”
—Midwest Book Review"A once-incarcerated prosecutor takes on international arms dealers in the startling thriller, Path to Redemption. ... United States prosecutors work to disassemble an international group of illegal arms traffickers ... uncover ties to US politicians and the Pacific Rim’s part in gruesome worldwide battles, bringing charges of conspiracy to the courtroom. As the interwoven truths about the Pacific Rim are unearthed, Nick puts aside his guilt to help bring the arms dealers to justice."
—Foreword Clarion Book Review“In Jim Dutton’s shocking legal thriller Path to Atonement, an attorney confronts the realities of human trafficking. Nick Dutton, an assistant US attorney, is contacted by Elin…, the fiancée of a man whose death was partially brought about by Nick’s actions. Through Elin, he meets Binsa, a Nepalese teenager who escaped sexual slavery. He also becomes embroiled in the fight to dismantle the human trafficking ring that took Binsa. The victims suffer from deep and abiding PTSD, but they do not lose the defining traits that make them human and individuals. Their character arcs are satisfying, albeit heart wrenching. They’re treated by Nick and his teammates with kindness and compassion…The story’s ending is shocking and involves some controversy but is gratifying. The legal thriller Path to Atonement goes inside of courtroom practices to treat its painful subject matter with sensitivity and respect.”
—Clarion Review“A satisfying action-and-suspense narrative that gets into the nitty-gritty of intelligence and law enforcement operations, the latest Nick Drummond story starts strong and retains its literary oomph throughout. Nick’s character arc is both genuine and compelling. The investigation spans both exotic and dangerous locales and features deadly terrorists and amoral, cunning crime bosses. The author’s latest thriller featuring his protagonist is a page-turner that will leave readers more than pleased.”
—The US Review of Books“The author discusses his main character’s process and decisions in a dynamic third person. The logistics of both criminal activity and fighting are presented in vivid detail.”
—US Review of Books (Robert Buccellato, author of Rum Runners and Moonshiners of Old Florida)“Jim Dutton’s Path to Redemption opens inside a prison cell and keeps its grip. Dutton lets history emerge through dialogue instead of lectures. That choice matters because the novel never loses momentum while building its political world. Dutton also understands institutional culture. The humor helps. The action works. The legal intrigue works.”
—San Francisco Book Review