Rattlesnake Lawyer: A Legal Thriller of the New West

This is an awesome, literate, hip, unusual thriller featuring Dan Shepherd, a somewhat hapless, cynical criminal defense attorney in New Mexico who has one hell of a sense of humor and is an expert in self-deprecation while at the same time is endearing to the reader. It moves fast and the plot zigs and zags to keep interest. Miller establishes himself in this, his first novel, as a major writer and a force to be reckoned with in the world of mystery. Human, humorous, pungent and gritty, you'll be charmed and engaged from the first page. I just loved it.

I picked this book up while in Las Cruces. The author, Jonathan Miller, was signing copies and I figured, why not? I read it and was amazed because I knew all of the locations he was writing of because Miller is a New Mexican native, or at least lived here long enough to write convincingly about the area. The main character is almost the lawyer side of Tony Hillerman's Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn, not necessarily a Native American but all are deeply enrooted in the Southwest. Pick this book up if you want a great taste of local color, but it is a must read if you are from the area.

I am reading Rattlesnake Lawyer after buying it at a writers' conference where the author Jonathan Miller was on a marathon book signing. He is a very intelligent, personable young man. And his book captured my interest in the first three pages. Mr. Miller writes with expert skill, his characters are so REAL and well-rounded especially his protagonist Dan. And, WOW, does he have the "flavor" of New Mexico perfected. You won't be disappointed in reading this book!!!! Please do buy this book NEW as authors are cut out of the profits on used books which is a shame, it is worth every penny. And tell all your friends about this author and book. I want to see Mr. Miller become a best-selling author so I can read more from him in the future!!!

I recently met Jonthan Miller and already finished his book. I was quite impressive and I recommend others to read this book. I noticed it was somewhat of a romance novel written in a guy's point of view. (Women, this book will show you that we men are not all jerks) and it all shows a lot about life. It's about how a lawyer defends a gang member, yet the gang member knows a heck of a lot more than life. The lawyer meets the woman of his dreams, yet it was not true love, as oppose to the love his client has for another. ! Read this book! I give it 5 Stars!

This book is awesome! The author's "voice" is genuine and authentic. The characters are real. Whether I liked them or not, I always wanted to know what they would do next. They inspired real reactions and emotions in me as a reader. Whenever I put the book down, I felt like something was missing. I could not wait to finish reading the book. The story kept me engaged the whole time and the ending was terrific. The author kept us interested throughout the book by keeping us wondering what would happen next. The ending was surprising and unconventional. A terrific job-all around! Where's the sequel?