Author: James Patterson and Mike Lupica
Published: July 21, 2025 by Little, Brown and Company
Format: Kindle, 393 Pages
Genre: Thriller
Series: Jane Smith #3
Blurb: The Hamptons on Long Island is known for its beautiful beaches, its luxury lifestyle—and its exclusive legal advice.
When Jane Smith takes on a famous celebrity client, she’s armed and with brilliant arguments, hard evidence—and two Glocks.
Yet she’s chased down, shot at, and risks contempt of court. That’s when mounting a legal defense turns into self-defense. Knowing every day in court could be her last, she’s a survivor. For now.
My Opinion: Finding your way to The Hamptons Lawyer might take a moment. The series doesn’t follow a neat title sequence, so if you’re trying to track Jane Smith’s journey, you’ll need to do a little digging. And trust me, you’ll want to start at the beginning. This isn’t a series you can just parachute into. Jane’s backstory, her relationships, and the sheer volume of names and job titles flying around require some orientation. The authors offer a few breadcrumbs, but to really feel the weight of what’s happening here, you need the full arc.
Now, about that writing team. James Patterson is often a “love him or leave him” kind of author, but this series feels different. That difference? Mike Lupica. There’s a sharper emotional undercurrent, a more grounded sense of character. It’s not just about the plot twists (though there are plenty); it’s about the people caught in the storm.
Jane’s cancer isn’t just a subplot; it’s a presence. A shadow that follows her into every courtroom, every confrontation. It’s written with a kind of quiet persistence, never melodramatic, but always there. And the characters around her? They’re not just names on a page. Their connections feel lived-in. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, tension, and history. It’s the kind of ensemble that makes you feel like you’re in the room and not just reading about them.
That said, the book isn’t afraid to get messy. People die. Sometimes gruesomely. But when bad people hurt other bad people, well... it’s not exactly a tragedy. And let’s be honest, the cast was getting a little crowded. A little narrative pruning was probably overdue.
There are quirks, of course. Jane appears to run a law practice without any visible staff. Legal filings appear to happen by magic. But if you can suspend disbelief, the dynamic between Jane and Jimmy more than makes up for it. Their banter is sharp, their loyalty unshakable, and their ability to survive increasingly absurd situations is half the fun.
By the end, most threads are tied up; some with a satisfying snap, others with a gasp. But Jane being Jane, there is always something new that she should say no to, but where is the fun in that?
When Jane Smith takes on a famous celebrity client, she’s armed and with brilliant arguments, hard evidence—and two Glocks.
Yet she’s chased down, shot at, and risks contempt of court. That’s when mounting a legal defense turns into self-defense. Knowing every day in court could be her last, she’s a survivor. For now.
My Opinion: Finding your way to The Hamptons Lawyer might take a moment. The series doesn’t follow a neat title sequence, so if you’re trying to track Jane Smith’s journey, you’ll need to do a little digging. And trust me, you’ll want to start at the beginning. This isn’t a series you can just parachute into. Jane’s backstory, her relationships, and the sheer volume of names and job titles flying around require some orientation. The authors offer a few breadcrumbs, but to really feel the weight of what’s happening here, you need the full arc.
Now, about that writing team. James Patterson is often a “love him or leave him” kind of author, but this series feels different. That difference? Mike Lupica. There’s a sharper emotional undercurrent, a more grounded sense of character. It’s not just about the plot twists (though there are plenty); it’s about the people caught in the storm.
Jane’s cancer isn’t just a subplot; it’s a presence. A shadow that follows her into every courtroom, every confrontation. It’s written with a kind of quiet persistence, never melodramatic, but always there. And the characters around her? They’re not just names on a page. Their connections feel lived-in. There’s a real sense of camaraderie, tension, and history. It’s the kind of ensemble that makes you feel like you’re in the room and not just reading about them.
That said, the book isn’t afraid to get messy. People die. Sometimes gruesomely. But when bad people hurt other bad people, well... it’s not exactly a tragedy. And let’s be honest, the cast was getting a little crowded. A little narrative pruning was probably overdue.
There are quirks, of course. Jane appears to run a law practice without any visible staff. Legal filings appear to happen by magic. But if you can suspend disbelief, the dynamic between Jane and Jimmy more than makes up for it. Their banter is sharp, their loyalty unshakable, and their ability to survive increasingly absurd situations is half the fun.
By the end, most threads are tied up; some with a satisfying snap, others with a gasp. But Jane being Jane, there is always something new that she should say no to, but where is the fun in that?
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